Joint Torques and Tibiofemoral Joint Reaction Force in the Bodyweight “Wall Squat” Therapeutic Exercise

This study provides a biomechanical analysis of the bodyweight wall-squat exercise considering four exercise variants: knee angle; horizontal hip-ankle distance (<i>d</i>); shift between the rearfoot and forefoot of the centre of pressure (x<sub>GR</sub>) of the ground reacti...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Andrea Biscarini, Samuele Contemori, Cristina V. Dieni, Roberto Panichi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
ACL
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/9/3019
Description
Summary:This study provides a biomechanical analysis of the bodyweight wall-squat exercise considering four exercise variants: knee angle; horizontal hip-ankle distance (<i>d</i>); shift between the rearfoot and forefoot of the centre of pressure (x<sub>GR</sub>) of the ground reaction force; back supported via the scapular or pelvic zone. The ankle and hip angles corresponding to a given knee angle can be modulated, changing the distance d, to manage limitation in lumbopelvic and ankle mobility. The knee-extensor muscles can be overloaded (250 Nm muscle torque) with knees flexed at 90°, back supported through the pelvic zone, and feet away from the wall (d = 50 cm). Scapular support, x<sub>GR</sub> at forefoot, and d = 50 cm, yield a higher level of muscle-torque for hip-extension (130 Nm) and knee-flexion (65 Nm), with knees at 90° of flexion or near full extension, respectively. Ankle-dorsiflexion (plantarflexion) muscle torque up to 40 Nm is reached with x<sub>GR</sub> at the forefoot (rearfoot). This study may aid trainers and therapists to finely modulate the muscle torques (up to the above-mentioned levels) by an appropriate selection of exercise variants for training or rehabilitation purposes. Low levels (60 N) of anterior tibial pull may occur near 25° of knee flexion with xGR at the rearfoot.
ISSN:2076-3417