Research Corner - Q&A Overhead Squat with Wedge by Chere A Schoffstall | Date Released : 11 Sep 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: In a recent workshop, a physical therapist was having us perform squats by taking our butt all the way to the floor, arms stretched overhead. When one of us was off balance and could not perform the squat, he would place a wedge under either the person's heels or toes. What was he doing? Should the person be performing multiple sets and reps with the wedge to correct the problem? Answer: The overhead squat is one of our assessments tools. When performing the overhead squat, various imbalances become apparent by an individual’s movement patterns. In this instance, referring to the scenario listed above, the individual could not squat down all the way. There are various reasons why an individual might not be able to complete a full squat. From tightness in the hips, to restrictions at the knee and/or ankle, the source of the problem had to be identified. If the individual lacked dorsiflexion at the foot/ankle complex due to a tight soleus, this would restrict squatting motion. By placing a wedge underneath the individual’s heels, it was allowing the individual to stay plantar flexed which would take the restriction off the knee and ankle, possibly increasing range of motion. If the individual is then able to complete a full squat, we can attribute the restriction to a tight soleus. The wedge was used to help identify the imbalance, but it is not a tool to rectify it. In order to correct the problem, the individual would have to stretch the soleus to allow for proper extensibility of the foot/ankle complex, which would, in turn, help the individual complete a full squat. Back to top About the author: Chere A Schoffstall Chere has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and holds 2 certifications with NASM: CPT, PES. She spent two years as a trainer fit pro at 24 Hour Fitness before joining the NASM team. She is the newest addition to the NASM education team. Full Author Details Related content Content from Chere A Schoffstall Proper Squat Technique Jason Anderson | Articles Overhead Squat Profile Form PTontheNET Library | Articles Heel Raised Squats: Help or Hinder? Chuck Wolf | Articles Squat Test: Reebok Screens Gray Cook | Articles Overhead Squat: Total Body Profile Lenny Parracino | Articles Fear the Squat No More Paul Chek | Articles Body Type and Exercise Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Post Partum Corrective Exercise Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Flat Feet Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Body Pump Classes Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Spondylolisthesis Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Overhead Squat with Wedge Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Profiles and Assessments Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Lunge and Squat Knee Position Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Adductor Function Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Ankle Sprains Chere A Schoffstall | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top