Which muscles would be considered overactive, leading to arms falling forward during the overhead squat assessment?

In the context of the overhead squat assessment, overactive muscles are those that are excessively tight or dominant and can adversely affect movement patterns. When arms fall forward during this assessment, it is generally indicative of tightness in the latissimus dorsi muscle.

The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle that spans the back and sides of the torso and is primarily involved in shoulder adduction, extension, and internal rotation. When this muscle is overactive or tight, it can pull the arms forward and affect proper shoulder mechanics, leading to compensatory movement patterns. This is particularly important in the overhead squat, where proper arm and shoulder positioning is crucial for maintaining balance and alignment.

Recognizing overactivity in the latissimus dorsi helps trainers and fitness professionals devise appropriate corrective strategies, such as stretching to improve flexibility and strength training that emphasizes proper shoulder and upper back stabilization. Thus, identifying the latissimus dorsi as the muscle that contributes to the forward arm position is essential for effectively addressing postural imbalances in the overhead squat assessment.