Lower extremity biomechanics during a regular and counterbalanced squat

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science

Background:

• Optimizing human movement efficiency is crucial for musculoskeletal injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• Efficient movement patterns often prioritize large muscle groups like hip extensors over smaller ones like knee extensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a counterbalanced squat (CBS) promotes a more hip-dominant and less knee-dominant movement pattern compared to a regular squat (RS).

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one recreationally trained participants performed both CBS and RS exercises.
• Segment kinematics, ground reaction forces, and muscle electromyographic (EMG) activations (gluteus maximus, quadriceps, hamstrings) were recorded.
• Analysis of variance compared joint moments, ranges of motion, and EMG activations between squat types and sexes.

Main Results:

• The CBS significantly increased hip joint moments and gluteus maximus (GM) activation compared to the RS.
• The CBS also significantly decreased knee joint moments and quadriceps activation compared to the RS.
• No significant sex differences were noted for these primary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The counterbalanced squat (CBS) effectively elicits a more hip-dominant and less knee-dominant movement pattern.
• CBS can be a valuable exercise modality for programs targeting enhanced hip-dominant movement patterns.
• This has implications for designing more effective injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.