In lower cross syndrome, which muscle group is inhibited?

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Multiple Choice

In lower cross syndrome, which muscle group is inhibited?

In lower cross syndrome, the stabilizing deep abdominal muscles are underactive, meaning they’re inhibited. This includes the transverse abdominis and internal obliques, whose job is to brace the trunk and control pelvic tilt. When they don’t fire effectively, the pelvis loses stability and tends to tilt anteriorly, contributing to increased lumbar lordosis and low back strain. Meanwhile, the opposing groups—hip flexors (like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris) and thoracolumbar extensors—tend to be tight and overactive, pulling the pelvis forward and extending the spine. The gluteal muscles may also be weakened, but the core issue in this pattern is the inhibition of the abdominal stabilizers.

In lower cross syndrome, the stabilizing deep abdominal muscles are underactive, meaning they’re inhibited. This includes the transverse abdominis and internal obliques, whose job is to brace the trunk and control pelvic tilt. When they don’t fire effectively, the pelvis loses stability and tends to tilt anteriorly, contributing to increased lumbar lordosis and low back strain. Meanwhile, the opposing groups—hip flexors (like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris) and thoracolumbar extensors—tend to be tight and overactive, pulling the pelvis forward and extending the spine. The gluteal muscles may also be weakened, but the core issue in this pattern is the inhibition of the abdominal stabilizers.

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