Which of the following muscles plays a key role in keeping the knees directly above the feet while running, jumping, or squatting?

The gluteus medius is crucial for stabilizing the pelvis and keeping the knees aligned over the feet during activities like running, jumping, or squatting. This muscle is located on the outer surface of the pelvis and is responsible for hip abduction and stabilizing the hip joint. When the gluteus medius is activated, it helps to control the position of the femur (thigh bone) in relation to the tibia (shin bone), ensuring proper tracking of the knee.

This alignment is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring efficient movement patterns. If the gluteus medius is weak or inactive, it can lead to compensatory movement patterns, such as the knees caving in (valgus collapse) during dynamic movements, which can increase the risk of knee and hip injuries.

In contrast, while the quadriceps, hamstrings, and tibialis anterior are important muscles for lower body movement, they primarily function in ways that are more focused on joint actions rather than pelvic stability. Quadriceps mainly extend the knee, hamstrings assist in knee flexion and hip extension, and the tibialis anterior is involved in dorsiflexion of the ankle. These muscle groups do not have the same direct role in maintaining the alignment of the