INTER-JOINT COORDINATION IN THE BACK SQUAT WITH A BAND AROUND THE KNEES

Abstract

Looped resistance bands are often placed around the knees to provide a proprioceptive aid to reduce knee valgus during a squat. So far, research examining the kinematic effects of band use is limited to frontal plane knee mechanics. The objectives of this thesis were: 1) to determine if the use of looped resistance bands during a loaded barbell squat, would alter sagittal plane squat mechanics and 2) to determine if changes in squat mechanics were different between male and female participants. Subjects (10 males, and 10 females) completed 3 repetitions of 4 squat conditions (3 band conditions of varying tension, and one control) in random order, at 85% of their estimated one repetition maximum loads. Knee, hip, and barbell kinematics were measured, as well as coordination and variability during the ascent and descent of the movement. Reductions in knee flexion angles, joint velocities, and increased variability at the knee were observed with band use. Increased variability at the hip joint, and in turn, coordination between the knee and hip joint, were altered when bands were used. As a result of changes at the knee and hip joint, vertical barbell range of motion was reduced. The effects of the band appeared to be more pronounced with increasing band tension. Analysis of sex differences revealed coordinative differences between the male and female groups in control and band conditions, with female subjects displaying more significant changes in technique with increasing band tension. This study suggests that the effects of a looped resistance band are not limited to the fontal plane as originally intended and have several effects on sagittal plane squat kinematics.