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

• A. Hip Flexors, Abs
• B. Abdominals, Hip Abductors
• C. Quadriceps, Tibialis Anterior
• D. Hip Extensors, Paraspinals

Answer: (D)

When sway is backward, the body relies on the hip strategy, which means the correction comes from rotating about the hips and using the large muscles of the posterior chain to move the trunk forward over the feet. The muscles that accomplish this are the hip extensors (like the gluteus maximus and hamstrings) together with the paraspinal muscles along the back. By extending the hips and the spine, these muscles pull the upper body forward, bringing the center of mass back over the base of support and restoring balance.

Other muscle groups aren’t the primary drivers for this backward correction. Hip flexors and abdominal muscles would tend to pull the trunk forward or control different motions, and the quadriceps with the tibialis anterior are more associated with other strategies (like ankle-dominated responses) rather than the hip-driven correction needed for backward sway. Hip abductors mainly stabilize the pelvis rather than generate the forward-trunk movement needed here.