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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

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Lower extremity muscle functions during full squats.

D G E Robertson¹, Jean-Marie J Wilson, Taunya A St Pierre

¹School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

|December 17, 2008

Summary

During deep squats, prime movers like the gluteus maximus and vasti muscles drive ascent. Biarticular muscles act as crucial stabilizers, controlling descent and enabling energy transfer for effective weightlifting.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Human movement analysis
Exercise physiology

Background:

Understanding muscle function during complex movements like deep squats is crucial for optimizing training and preventing injuries.
The gluteal, hamstring, quadriceps, and calf muscles play significant roles in lower body movements.
Previous research has explored muscle activation patterns, but a comprehensive analysis of joint kinematics and muscle dynamics during deep squats is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the specific functions of key lower limb muscles (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior) during the ascent and descent phases of deep squats.
To analyze the contribution of these muscles to joint kinematics, inverse dynamics, and muscle length changes.
To identify the primary movers and stabilizers during the squatting motion.

Main Methods:

Utilized joint kinematics, inverse dynamics, and electromyography (EMG) to analyze muscle function.
Measured muscle length changes during the squatting motion.
Subjects included six experienced male weightlifters performing deep squats.

Main Results:

Monoarticular muscles, specifically the gluteus maximus and vasti (e.g., vastus lateralis), were identified as prime movers during the ascent phase.
Soleus muscles contributed to ascent, though to a lesser extent than the prime movers.
Biarticular muscles (e.g., biceps femoris, semitendinosus) primarily functioned as stabilizers, controlling eccentric descent and facilitating inter-segment energy transfer during ascent.

Conclusions:

The gluteus maximus and vasti muscles are key contributors to power generation during the ascent phase of deep squats.
Biarticular muscles play a critical role in joint stabilization throughout the squatting cycle.
Understanding these muscle functions provides insights into biomechanical strategies for efficient and safe squatting performance.