Which muscle group is used in the hip strategy during forward sway?

• A. Hip Extensors, Paraspinals
• B. Quadriceps, Tibialis Anterior
• C. Hip Flexors, Abs
• D. Gastrocnemius, Hamstrings

Answer: (C)

When sway is too large for the ankles to handle, the body uses a hip-driven response to quickly restore balance. This involves the muscles around the pelvis and trunk working together to move the upper body in a controlled way so the center of mass returns over the feet. In forward sway, engaging the hip flexors to initiate hip-related movement and using the abdominal muscles to stabilize and guide the trunk provides the fastest, most direct way to realign the body with the base of support. The flexors at the hip create the needed hip motion, while the abdominal muscles control and stabilize the spine, preventing excess or uncontrolled movement.

The other patterns rely more on the ankle or knee/hip extensor systems and are more characteristic of responding to sway in different directions or under different surface conditions.