Which muscles are typically underactive in association with pes planus distortion syndrome?

The choice highlighting the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and anterior tibialis as typically underactive in association with pes planus distortion syndrome is accurate because these muscles play crucial roles in stabilizing and controlling lower extremity movement.

Pes planus, or flat feet, can lead to altered biomechanics, particularly in how the foot and ankle interact with the rest of the lower body. The gluteus maximus is essential for hip extension and external rotation, while the gluteus medius aids in hip stabilization and prevents excessive hip adduction and internal rotation. The anterior tibialis is responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle, which is important for proper foot mechanics during gait. When these muscles are underactive due to the postural issues associated with pes planus, it can contribute to further instability and alignment problems throughout the kinetic chain.

In contrast, the other options do not primarily relate to the muscle imbalances typically seen with pes planus. For example, while the rectus abdominis and internal obliques certainly play roles in core stability, their underactivity is not directly tied to pes planus. Similarly, the hip flexors and quadriceps (often overactive in this syndrome) can exacerbate