Which movement occurs during the downward phase of a squat?

During the downward phase of a squat, the joints of the hips and knees undergo specific movements that facilitate lowering the body toward the ground. In this phase, the hip joint experiences flexion as the thighs move closer to the torso. Concurrently, the knee joint also flexes, allowing the lower legs to bend and facilitate the descent into the squat position.

The combination of hip flexion and knee flexion is essential for maintaining balance and controlling the body's weight as it lowers. This movement pattern is primarily driven by the muscles of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteals, which work together to support the descent.

In the other options provided, the movements do not accurately reflect what occurs during the downward phase of a squat. For example, hip extension and knee extension would typically happen when rising from a squat, not when descending. Additionally, hip abduction and knee adduction, as well as hip adduction and knee flexion, do not represent the primary movements involved in the squatting motion during this phase. Understanding the mechanics of the squat is important for proper technique and preventing injury, emphasizing the role of hip and knee flexion in the process.