Which of the following hip muscles are typically weak or underactive in people of all ages?

The abductor muscles, specifically the gluteus medius and tensor fasciae latae, are commonly found to be weak or underactive in many individuals, regardless of age. This weakness can lead to various compensatory movement patterns and potential injuries, particularly in the lower extremity. Abductors play a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during activities such as walking, running, and balancing. When these muscles are not functioning optimally, it can result in issues like knee valgus, hip discomfort, and lower back pain.

In contrast, the gluteus maximus is typically one of the strongest muscles in the body, especially in active individuals, and the hip flexors tend to be more underactive due to their association with a sedentary lifestyle. Adductors, while they can exhibit weakness in some populations, are generally not classified as underactive across the board. Thus, focusing on strengthening the abductors is often a key objective in corrective exercise to ensure proper hip function and alignment.