Journal article
Knee behaviour in squatting
Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, Vol.20(2), pp.23-36
2012
Abstract
An effective and often prescribed compound exercise for the lower limb is the squat movement. The purpose of this research was to determine if the leading joint hypothesis exists when squatting, that is one joint creates a dynamic foundation for motion of the entire limb. To contribute to future exercise prescription guidelines the influence of mediolateral and anteroposterior movement, the timing of the knees, and the influence of segment lengths were investigated in 29 subjects from a cross sectional back ground of sport and strength training. Subjects performed two types of squats; unloaded body weight squats and barbell squats with 50% body weight added. The 3D kinematics of the lower limb and torso were assessed with the independent variables of load, stance, phase and gender. The movement of the knees when squatting was found to support the leading joint hypothesis. The knee changed mediolateral and anteroposterior position to accommodate variations in load and stance width. The knee was also found to move past the alignment of the anteroposterior displacement of the knee, did not remain aligned with heel width, direction of the toes or anterior position of the toes. The amount of anteriorposterior displacement of the knee, with respect to the foot, varied between gender and this movement is considered anatomically appropriate and therefore should be encouraged in exercise prescription. Despite the literature, and this current research, generally supporting deep squats and the freedom for the knee to move anterior of the toes, there exists an inappropriate perception in some practical settings to restrict this movement pattern. Based on this research practitioners should allow an athletes' knees move in both mediolateral and anteroposterior direction when squatting and not remain aligned with heel width, direction of the toes, or anterior position of toes. Knee behaviour in squatting appears to be strategic and occurs in a specific order of the timing in the squat movement. Movement anterior of the toes is a normal and required part of the squat movement that should be encouraged where appropriate and when practitioners feel the clients' knees are healthy or normal.
Details
- Title
- Knee behaviour in squatting
- Authors
- Mark McKean (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringBrendan J Burkett (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, Vol.20(2), pp.23-36
- Publisher
- Australian Strength and Conditioning Association
- ISSN
- 1836-649X
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - High Performance Sport; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450165402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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