Greater squat stance width alters three-dimensional hip moment demands

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Barbell squat variations in stance width influence lower limb biomechanics.
• Different stance widths can alter joint reaction forces and muscle loading patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of varying squat stance widths on three-dimensional hip joint moments.
• To understand how stance width influences muscle activation and training effects at the hip.

Main Methods:

• 11 males and 13 females performed barbell squats with narrow, medium, and wide stances.
• Motion capture and force plate data were utilized to compute hip net joint moments (NJM).

Main Results:

• Hip extensor NJM was significantly greater in wide stances compared to medium and narrow stances.
• Hip lateral rotator NJM increased progressively with wider stances.
• Hip adductor NJM remained consistent across all tested stance widths.

Conclusions:

• Increasing squat stance width elevates rotational demands at the hip, primarily through increased hip extensor and lateral rotator NJM.
• Hip adductor muscle activation is unaffected by squat stance width.
• These findings offer insights into the muscle recruitment strategies at the hip for different squat stances.