Overhead squat assessment reflects treadmill running kinematics.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Movement Analysis

Background:

• The overhead squat assessment (OHSA) is a dynamic movement analysis tool.
• Compensatory movements during OHSA can stem from myofascial, neuromuscular, and joint-related abnormalities.
• Identifying these compensations is crucial for understanding potential injury risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between biomechanical variables during OHSA and 16 km/h treadmill running.
• To determine if OHSA can predict specific kinematic patterns during running.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen national long-distance male runners participated.
• Three-dimensional kinematics were captured using a 9-camera motion analysis system.
• Participants performed both OHSA and 16 km/h treadmill running tasks.

Main Results:

• OHSA pelvic anterior tilt correlated positively with running pelvic tilt and negatively with hip extension.
• Increased OHSA hip adduction was linked to greater knee adduction during running.
• OHSA ankle dorsiflexion and pronation showed positive correlations with corresponding running phases.

Conclusions:

• The overhead squat assessment is associated with key hip, knee, and ankle kinematics relevant to running.
• Coaches can utilize OHSA to identify injury-related compensation patterns.
• OHSA can inform corrective training plans to mitigate injury risk and enhance running technique.