Which of the following is a fault observed in a walking lunge?

• A. Knees caving inwards
• B. Upright torso
• C. Symmetrical weight distribution
• D. Full hip extension at finish

Answer: (A)

In a walking lunge, knee alignment and control of the knee’s path through the movement are key. The observed fault is the knees caving inwards, also known as knee valgus, during the descent or stance. This pattern often comes from weak hip abductors (gluteus medius and related stabilizers), limited ankle dorsiflexion, or poor neuromuscular control that allows the knee to drift toward the midline as you move.

Knee valgus is a fault because it shifts load to the medial knee structures, increases valgus torque on the joint, and can raise the risk of injury (for example, ACL stress) while reducing the efficiency and stability of the movement. To coach it, cue the athlete to press the knee outward in line with the toes, engage the glutes, maintain a tall torso, and ensure weight stays over the midfoot rather than collapsing inward. Improving hip strength and ankle mobility helps address the root cause and allows the knee to track properly.

The other aspects listed—an upright torso, symmetrical weight distribution, and finishing with full hip extension—are signs of solid technique and proper finish, not faults in this context.