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Published on: May 26, 2020
Tibiofemoral joint kinetics during squatting with increasing external load
Sonia Sahli1, Haithem Rebai, Mohamed Habib Elleuch
1Department of Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation, Habib Bourguiba Hospital, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|August 19, 2008
Summary
Squatting with increasing loads shows that tibiofemoral joint forces and moments rise with knee flexion. This exercise appears safe for quadriceps strengthening with minimal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) strain.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinetics
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Limited data exists on the biomechanical effects of increasing loads during squatting exercises.
- Understanding joint forces is crucial for exercise prescription and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess tibiofemoral joint kinetics during half squats with varying external loads.
- To analyze the relationship between external load and joint forces/moments.
Main Methods:
- Kinetics and electromyographic (EMG) activity of involved muscles were measured during half squats.
- Variable external loads were applied to 20 male student participants in a laboratory setting.
- Tibiofemoral joint force and external moment components were recorded.
Main Results:
- Posterior antero-posterior shear force and net extension moment increased with knee flexion.
- Peak force reached 29% body weight (BW) and peak moment reached 88Nm without external load.
- All measured force, moment, and muscle activity components escalated with increased external load.
Conclusions:
- The half squat exercise demonstrates a low potential for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading, making it suitable for quadriceps strengthening.
- Findings provide valuable data for clinicians to select appropriate external loads for rehabilitation and training.
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