What common findings can indicate underactive glutes during assessment?

Underactive glutes can lead to a variety of compensatory movement patterns and associated problems in the kinetic chain during assessments. One of the key indicators of underactive glute muscles is poor hip extension, which is an essential function of the gluteus maximus. When the glutes are not firing properly, it can cause the body to rely on other muscles, such as those in the lower back or thigh, leading to increased tension and potential pain in the lower back and knees.

The presence of increased lower back or knee pain is often linked to this improper muscle activation. The gluteal muscles are vital for stabilizing the pelvis and maintaining proper alignment during activities. When these muscles are underactive, it disrupts proper biomechanics, resulting in stress and pain in areas not equipped to handle such loads, such as the lower back and knees.

Therefore, evaluating the hip extension ability and associated pain patterns provides critical insight into possible glute activation deficits, reflecting the significance of option A as a reliable indicator of underactive glutes. The other choices do not relate to typical outcomes associated with underactive glutes, such as excessive flexibility or enhanced power, which suggest different musculoskeletal characteristics.