During a single-leg squat assessment, a client's knee moves inward. Which of the following muscles should the client strengthen?
Correct Answer: B
In the single-leg squat assessment, inward knee movement (knee valgus) indicates a lack of frontal-plane knee stability, often caused by underactivity in the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and gluteus medius. The NASM CPT7 Study Guide identifies the VMO as a critical stabilizer of the patella and knee joint, especially in terminal extension.
Overactive muscles in this compensation often include the adductor complex and tensor fascia latae (TFL), which pull the knee inward. Strengthening the VMO and gluteus medius improves knee tracking, preventing valgus collapse. Therefore, VMO strengthening is essential for correcting this compensation.