Overhead Squat Assessment: Signs of Dysfunction

Overhead Squat Assessment: Signs of Dysfunction is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description:
All fitness, performance, and rehabilitation programs should start with an assessment. The goal of assessment is to refine exercise and technique recommendations, with the intent of improving client or patient outcomes. This course describes the Overhead Squat assessment (a.k.a OSA, OHSA, squat assessment, overhead squat, and similar to the deep squat of the Functional Movement Screen).

The Overhead Squat Assessment is particularly effective as a starting point for a comprehensive Assessment of movement quality because it challenges the dynamic flexibility and neuromuscular control of the large joints of the kinetic chain. Following a few repetitions, a movement professional can quickly identify reliable signs correlated with altered shoulder mobility, scapula dyskinesis, altered core strength, hip mobility, knee joint alignment, and/or ankle mobility. These signs can be used by professionals prior to more specific assessments that may aid in identifying altered recruitment patterns, muscle imbalance, muscle overactivity, muscle underactivity, loss of muscle strength, or increased joint stiffness. For example, the sign "Knee Valgus (Knees Bow In)" may be indicative of lower extremity dysfunction, implying that it may be beneficial to perform goniometry of the hip, knee, and/or ankle. The combination of the Overhead Squat Assessment and goniometry may highlight a lack of dorsiflexion, a lack of ankle stability, and muscle imbalances including a loss of calf flexibility, and/or a loss of invertor strength.

Behavioral Objectives:
• Create a program of at least 3 techniques to address each sign of dysfunction based on the analysis of altered joint motion.
• Describe the functional benefits (including impact on performance, occupation or daily tasks) that may be expected from implementing the intervention plan.
• Explain at least 3 research study findings relevant to the overhead squat assessment.
• Create a list of commonly overactive and underactive muscles associated from the identified altered joint motions.
• Deduce/synthesize a hypothesis regarding the effect this technique will have on outcome measures and the appropriate test for re-assessment.
• Students will be prepared to pass a final exam by choosing from a list of potential answers to behavior-objective matched multiple-choice questions.
• Deduce the altered joint motions associated with each sign of dysfunction.
• Design an intervention plan including these techniques with the intent of affecting an objectively measured functional outcome.
• Distinguish the common signs of dysfunction from optimal alignment during an overhead squat assessment.