Which assessment is primarily used to identify movement compensations and deviations?

The Overhead Squat assessment is a valuable tool for identifying movement compensations and deviations. This assessment places the individual in a position that mimics various functional tasks, allowing practitioners to observe how different body segments move in relation to one another. As the individual performs the overhead squat, key aspects such as the alignment of the knees, the positioning of the trunk, and the control of the feet can be assessed.

The overhead squat is designed to facilitate the observation of dynamic posture and the efficiency of movement patterns during a complex task, thereby revealing any compensatory strategies the body might employ to achieve the movement. These compensations can include excessive forward lean, knee valgus (inward collapse), or excessive arching of the back. By identifying these deviations, practitioners can develop tailored corrective exercise programs that target specific weaknesses or imbalances, promoting better movement mechanics and reducing the risk of injury.

While the other assessments also provide useful information about movement patterns, they are comparatively limited. For instance, the Functional Movement Screen broadly evaluates various fundamental movements for risk of injury, and the single-leg squat primarily focuses on lower body stability, and the push-up assessment evaluates upper body strength and endurance. However, the overhead squat assessment stands out for its comprehensive approach to assessing