Postural Implications of Back and Front squat using Biomechanical simulation

Abstract

Squat is a closed kinetic chain exercise widely used for strength and conditioning applications. This exercise also supports the preparedness for multiple sports. In Physical rehabilitation, squatting is widely incorporated to strengthen the disorders and activate the muscle extensors. This study collected 3D Motion capture data from 5 healthy, trained individuals. Subjects with a history of injury were excluded. The study aims to examine the difference in kinematic variables between Front and Back squats without load conditions and their postural changes. The Kinematic profile was analyzed using computational musculoskeletal software - OpenSim. Based on the statistical results, it is indicated that there is no significant difference in the lower body joints (p< 0.05), contradicting the upper body joints (p >0.05), especially the spine. The peak joint angle value for the neck, spine, and shoulder in the sagittal plane during the Front squat were -21.53, 16.22, and 22.31 degrees, and during the Back squat were -31.68, 9.19, and 70.90 degrees, respectively. Further statistical test was performed using the Paired sample t-test, indicating a significant difference in knee, neck, spine, and shoulder. Hence, this study differentiates the joint angle variation during the two squat styles. The existence of a dominant component in the squat technique has been identified which potentially adds value and helps in curating the needs of patients requiring rehabilitative techniques. The variables analyzed in this study help identify additional parameters that aid in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a dedicated posture restoration scheme, including squatting as part of the prescribed exercises.