During the Overhead Squat assessment, the compensation of "arms fall forward" indicates underactivity of which muscles?

The compensation of "arms fall forward" during the Overhead Squat assessment is primarily indicative of underactivity in the rhomboids. The rhomboids, which are located between the shoulder blades, are responsible for retracting the scapulae, helping maintain proper posture and shoulder positioning when the arms are raised.

When these muscles are underactive, it can lead to a scenario where the shoulder blades protract, which results in the arms falling forward during the squat. This compensation can often be correlated with tightness in the muscles of the chest, as well as other muscles that may affect shoulder mechanics. Recognizing this pattern during the assessment guides corrective strategies aimed at strengthening the rhomboids and balancing any tightness in surrounding musculature.

Thus, identifying the compromised function of the rhomboids is critical in developing an effective corrective exercise program to address the observed compensation.