DESCRIPTORS OF TECHNIQUE FOR PERFORMING SQUATS IN NOVICES

Abstract

Feedback on proper performance of squats in novices is often based on visual analysis with verbal cueing focusing on the trunk, knees, and toes. The PURPOSE of this study was to conduct a kinematic analysis of trunk angle, shank angle, and knee position in relation to toe position in novice performers before and immediately after instruction in the squat exercise. A secondary purpose was to compare these variables in subjects using barbell (BB) and hand held (HH) weights. METHODS: Ten subjects (five male and five female), age 21.5 +/− 1.0 years) who had never received any prior formal instruction on proper squatting technique participated in the study. Subjects completed 4 sets (5 repetitions per set with a 5 min rest period between sets) of the squat exercise at approximately 25% of body weight. Instruction of “proper” technique was withheld (NON) during the first 2 sets. Prior to the last 2 sets subjects were provided scripted verbal instruction (INS) and demonstration of “proper” technique (INS). During the 2 conditions, subjects completed 1 set using the HH and BB techniques. The order of HH and BB conditions was randomized within each instructional condition. Kinematic assessments of the trunk angle, shank angle, and differences between knee and tip-of-toe x-coordinates were performed using a 2-D computerized video analysis. The x-coordinate of the knee was subtracted from the x-coordinate of the toe to compute how much the knee and toe approximated in the x-direction. RESULTS: The beginning and ending trunk angles were less in the HH conditions than the BB conditions (p < 0.05). The peak shank angles during the squat were greater in BB than HH (p < 0.05) and were greater with INS than NON. Correlations were found between the trunk and shank angles in the INS HH condition at .805 (p < 0.05) and in the INS BB condition at .795 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there are differences in how novices perform the squat with and without instruction and that method of resistance also provides differences in performance. One-time instruction can provide a change in technique but not necessarily resulting in “proper” technique.