What is a common consequence of poor dorsiflexion in the squat movement?

Poor dorsiflexion, which refers to the limited ability of the ankle to flex upward, significantly impacts the squat movement pattern. When an individual has inadequate dorsiflexion, the body's natural response is to adjust other parts of the kinetic chain to maintain balance and proper movement. This often results in compensation strategies, one of which is a forward shift of the torso during the squat.

By shifting the torso forward, individuals attempt to keep their center of gravity over their base of support, preventing them from falling backward due to an inability to properly flex the ankle. This forward lean can lead to altered biomechanics, which may put additional stress on the lower back and compromise the effectiveness of the squat. Thus, recognizing the role of dorsiflexion in maintaining optimal squat form is essential for effective corrective strategies in exercise programming. This adjustment illustrates how the body seeks to maintain functionality, even when specific joint movements are limited.