Which muscle is NOT part of the Lower Cross Syndrome tight muscle group?

• A. Erector spinae
• B. Hip flexors
• C. Quadratus lumborum
• D. Gluteus medius

Answer: (D)

Lower Cross Syndrome involves a pattern where certain muscles stay tight at the front or back of the lower trunk while others become weak, creating an imbalance around the pelvis. The muscles that tend to stay tight are the hip flexors and the back-extensor group, including the erector spinae and the quadratus lumborum, which pull the pelvis into an anterior tilt and increase lumbar extension. The gluteal muscles, particularly the gluteus medius, are typically underactive in this pattern, not tight. So the muscle that is NOT part of the tight group is the gluteus medius. Strengthening it helps restore pelvic stability and balance the pattern.