Squat Kinematics Research Articles

Females Present Different Single-Leg Squat Kinematics and Muscle Activation Strategies than Males Even after Hip Abductor Fatigue

Background: Despite the potential connection between hip and knee muscle control, there is limited research on the effects of hip abductor fatigue on the hip and knee neuromuscular responses in both males and females. This study aimed to investigate the influence of sex on the hip and knee frontal plane kinematics and the EMG responses of the hip abductors and knee extensor muscles during the single-leg squat before and after hip abductor fatigue. Methods: A total of 30 participants (males, n = 15; females, n = 15) performed single-leg squats before and immediately after a hip abductor fatigue protocol (10° hip abduction position while bearing a 20% load of their estimated 1RM until exhaustion). The frontal plane kinematics (hip adduction and knee frontal plane projection angle) and EMG parameters (amplitude and median frequency) of the gluteus medius (GMed), tensor fascia latae (TFL), vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis (VM) were measured during the single-leg squat. Results: We did not find any effects of hip abductor fatigue or interaction between fatigue and sex on the evaluated parameters (p > 0.05). However, compared to males, females had greater values for the hip and knee frontal plane kinematics (p = 0.030), GMed EMG amplitude (+10.2%, p = 0.012) and median frequency (+10.3%; p = 0.042) and lower VL median frequency (−9.80%; p = 0.007). Conclusions: These findings establish sex-related differences in the kinematics and hip and knee EMG parameters during the single-leg squat, which were not influenced by the hip abductor fatigue protocol.

How reliable are femoropelvic kinematics during deep squats? The influence of subject-specific skeletal modelling on measurement variability

BackgroundBiplanar radiography displays promising results in the production of subject-specific (S.specific) biomechanical models. However, the focus has predominantly centred on methodological investigations in gait analysis. Exploring the influence of such models on the analysis of high range of motion tasks linked to hip pathologies is warranted. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of S.Specific modelling techniques on the reliability of deep squats kinematics in comparison to generic modelling. Methods8 able-bodied male participants attended 5 motion capture sessions conducted by 3 observers and performed 5 deep squats in each. Prior to each session a biplanar scan was acquired with the reflective-markers attached. Inverse kinematics of pelvis and thigh segments were calculated based on S.specific and Generic model definition. Agreement between the two models femoropelvic orientation in standing was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and paired t- tests. Inter-trial, inter-session, inter-observer variability and observer/trial difference and ratio were calculated for squat kinematic data derived from the two modelling approaches. ResultsCompared to the Generic model, the S.Specific model produced a calibration trial that is significantly offset into more posterior pelvis tilt (–2.8±2.7), hip extension (–2.2±3.8), hip abduction (–1.2±3.6) and external rotation (–13.8±11.4). The S.specific model produced significantly different squat kinematics in the sagittal plane of the pelvis (entire squat cycle) and hip (between 40 % and 60 % of the squat cycle). Variability analysis indicated that the error magnitude between the two models was comparable (difference<2°). The S.specific model exhibited a lower variability in the observer/trial ratio in the sagittal pelvis and hip, the frontal hip, but showed a higher variability in the transverse hip. SignificanceS.specific modelling appears to introduce a calibration offset that primarily translates into an effect in the sagittal plane kinematics. However, the clinical added value of S.specific modelling in terms of reducing experimental sources of kinematic variability was limited.

Effect of Exhaustive Exercise on Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex Stability, Muscle Activity, and Movement Patterns

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exhaustive exercise on lumbopelvic-hip complex (LPHC) muscle activity, stability, and single-leg squat kinematics. Twenty-two healthy participants (12 females, 23.5 ± 3.1 years) were recruited. LPHC stability was measured by number of errors committed during a seated trunk control test (STCT). Surface electromyography recorded muscle activity of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique, internal oblique (IO), erector spinae, and gluteus medius during the STCT and single-leg squat, and was normalized to peak activity during the task. Two-dimensional motion analysis quantified frontal and sagittal plane kinematics of the trunk, hip, and knee. Following exhaustive exercise, STCT performance worsened (number of errors: pre: 5.5 (interquartile range (IQR) = 1.4–9.0), post: 8.0 (IQR = 3.6–11.3), p = 0.026.), RA activity increased during the single-leg squat (pre: 42.1 (IQR = 33.6–48.5)%, post: 61.1 (IQR = 39.4–156.7 %, p =.004), and participants displayed less hip and knee flexion (hip: pre: 72.4 ± 22.1°; post: 66.2 ± 22.5°, p =.049; knee: pre: 72.4 ± 15.4°; post: 67.4 ± 18.2°, p =.005). Full-body exhaustive exercise negatively affected isolated LPHC stability and resulted in greater RA activity during the single-leg squat. Hip and knee flexion decreased during a single-leg squat after exhaustive exercise which could indicate decreased athletic performance, but changes in the quality of movement during other tasks should be further investigated.

Association of Changes in Hip and Knee Kinematics During a Single-Leg Squat With Changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes at 6 Months and 1 Year After Hip Arthroscopy

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated alterations in squat kinematics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Little is known about the effects of arthroscopic hip surgery on biomechanics during a single-leg squat (SLS) in these patients. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) lower extremity dynamic range of motion (ROM) during an SLS task improves after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and (2) correlations exist between changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and changes in lower extremity dynamic ROM during an SLS after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. It was hypothesized that dynamic hip ROM would improve after hip arthroscopy and that hip dynamic ROM would be associated with changes in PRO scores at both 6 months and 1 year. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Patients with FAIS performed 3 SLSs that were analyzed using a 20-camera motion capture system. Dynamic ROMs were calculated in 3 planes for the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvic segments. Squat depth was calculated as the change in vertical center of mass during the squat cycle. PROs including the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sports (HOS–Sports), International Hip Outcome Tool–12, and visual analog scale for pain scores were collected preoperatively and at the time of postoperative testing. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare kinematic variables pre- and postoperatively. Correlations were used to compare changes in PROs with changes in kinematics. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26. Results: Fifteen patients were tested preoperatively and at a mean of 9 months postoperatively. All PRO measures improved postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year. Squat depth and sagittal plane hip and knee dynamic ROMs were significantly improved postoperatively. Positive correlations existed between changes in (1) hip ROM with the 6-month HOS-ADL score (r = 0.665) and (2) knee ROM with the 6 month (r = 0.590) and 1-year (r = 0.565) HOS–Sports scores. Conclusion: Dynamic sagittal plane hip and knee ROMs improve after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. These improvements demonstrate strong correlations with improvements in some but not all postoperative PROs. Clinical Relevance: The current study sought to better understand the role of dynamic movement in the diagnosis and treatment of FAIS. These findings indicate that dynamic ROM and squat depth can, similarly to PROs, serve as biomarkers for patient function both before and after hip arthroscopic surgery.

Relationship between single leg squat kinematics and knee joint position sense, lower extremity strength: Pilot study

Relationship between single leg squat kinematics and knee joint position sense, lower extremity strength: Pilot study

Examination of overhead and single-leg squat kinematics and lower extremity injury in female collegiate athletes.

Overhead squat (OHS) and single-leg squat (SLS) tests have been used as screening tools to identify injury risk in athletic populations. Yet, no study has examined the association between specific trunk and lower extremity (LE) kinematic measures acquired during OHS and SLS performance and LE injury incidence in female collegiate athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between LE and trunk kinematics captured during OHS and SLS performance and LE injury in female collegiate athletes. This was a prospective cohort study. One hundred eight Division I female collegiate athletes underwent OHS and SLS testing before the start of their competitive season. A Microsoft Kinect sensor using Athletic Movement Assessment software (PhysiMax®) was used to capture kinematic variables: hip flexion, knee flexion, knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), and trunk flexion. Participants were tracked during one competitive season for incidence of LE injury. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between OHS and SLS measures and injury. Twenty-three (21.3%) participants suffered a LE injury. No significant associations were found between any OHS (odds ratio [OR] range: 0.91-1.08) or SLS (OR range: 0.81-1.22) kinematic measure and incidence of LE injury. Sagittal plane LE and trunk kinematics and knee FPPA during OHS and SLS performance were not associated with LE injury in this cohort of athletes. Our findings do not support the use of these select kinematic measures captured during OHS and SLS testing as stand-alone injury risk assessments in female collegiate athletes.

Validity of an artificial intelligence, human pose estimation model for measuring single-leg squat kinematics

Few studies have investigated the validity of 2D pose estimation models to evaluate kinematics throughout a motion and none have included adolescents. Adolescent athletes completed single-leg squats while 3D kinematic data and 2D sagittal and frontal plane videos were recorded. Sagittal and frontal plane joint motion throughout the single-leg squats and angles at peak knee flexion were compared among 2D pose estimation, 3D motion analysis, and traditional 2D motion analysis techniques. Statistical parametric mapping compared waveforms while Pearson’s correlation compared the relationships of joint angles at peak knee flexion among techniques, respectively. We observed significant waveform differences between 2D pose estimation and 3D motion analysis at the beginning and end of the squat for sagittal plane hip and knee motion, for most of the squat for frontal plane hip motion, and throughout the entire squat for sagittal plane ankle motion and frontal plane pelvic motion. We observed moderate-to-strong relationships (r = 0.68-0.94) for sagittal plane joint angles between 2D pose estimation and 3D techniques. We observed fair correlations (r = 0.53-0.54) for frontal plane pelvic and hip joint angles between 2D pose estimation and 3D motion analysis. We observed poor relationships for the frontal plane knee angle between 3D motion analysis with 2D pose estimation (r = 0.20) and traditional 2D motion analysis (r = 0.05), respectively, but observed a strong relationship (r = 0.95) between the 2D techniques. 2D pose estimation is a valid alternative to 3D motion analysis and traditional 2D motion analysis for evaluating most sagittal and frontal plane angles during a single-leg squatting task.

Validity of an Artificial Intelligence, Human Pose Estimation Model for Measuring Single-Leg Squat Kinematics

Validity of an Artificial Intelligence, Human Pose Estimation Model for Measuring Single-Leg Squat Kinematics

Marker location and knee joint constraint affect the reporting of overhead squat kinematics in elite youth football players

ABSTRACT Motion capture systems are used in the analysis and interpretation of athlete movement patterns for a variety of reasons, but data integrity remains critical regardless. The extent to which marker location or constraining degrees of freedom (DOF) in the biomechanical model impacts on this integrity lacks consensus. Ten elite academy footballers performed bilateral overhead squats using a marker-based motion capture system. Kinematic data were calculated using four different marker sets with 3DOF and 6DOF configurations for the three joint rotations of the right knee. Root mean squared error differences between marker sets ranged in the sagittal plane between 1.02 and 4.19 degrees to larger values in the frontal (1.30–6.39 degrees) and transverse planes (1.33 and 7.97 degrees). The cross-correlation function of the knee kinematic time series for all eight marker-sets ranged from excellent for sagittal plane motion (>0.99) but reduced for both coronal and transverse planes (<0.9). Two-way ANOVA repeated measures calculated at peak knee flexion revealed significant differences between marker sets for frontal and transverse planes (p < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences between some marker sets. Marker location and constraining DOF while measuring relatively large ranges of motion in this population are important considerations for data integrity.

Sex-dependent differences in single-leg squat kinematics and their relationship to squat depth in physically active individuals

The purpose of this study is to compare recreationally physically active females and males with regard to spine, pelvis and lower limb joints peak angles in each plane of motion during a single leg squat (SLS). The second aim is to investigate the relationship between kinematics and SLS depth in females and males. Fifty-eight healthy, young adults performed 5 repetitions of a single right leg squat to maximal depth while keeping their balance. Kinematic data were obtained using an optical motion capture system. At the hip, greater adduction and greater internal rotation were observed in females than in males. Females had more extended spines and less outward bended knees throughout the SLS than did men. In males, squat depth was significantly, positively correlated with the maximal angle of the ankle (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), the knee (r = 0.87, p < 0.001), the hip (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and the pelvis (r = 0.40, p = 0.02) in the sagittal plane. A positive significant correlation was found between SLS depth and maximal angle of the knee (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and the ankle (r = 0.53, p = 0.01) in the sagittal plane in females. Males and females used different motor strategies at all levels of the kinematic chain during SLS.

Validation of Inertial Sensor to Measure Barbell Kinematics across a Spectrum of Loading Conditions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of agreement in measuring back squat kinematics between an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a 3D motion capture system (3DMOCAP). Kinematic variables included concentric peak velocity (CPV), concentric mean velocity (CMV), eccentric peak velocity (EPV), eccentric mean velocity (EMV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and POP-100: a proprietary variable. Sixteen resistance-trained males performed an incrementally loaded one repetition maximum (1RM) squat protocol. A series of Pearson correlations, 2 × 4 RM ANOVA, Cohen’s d effect size differences, coefficient of variation (CV), and standard error of the estimate (SEE) were calculated. A large relationship existed for all variables between devices (r = 0.78–0.95). Between-device agreement for CPV worsened beyond 60% 1RM. The remaining variables were in agreement between devices with trivial effect size differences and similar CV magnitudes. These results support the use of the IMU, regardless of relative intensity, when measuring EMV, EPV, MPV, and POP-100. However, practitioners should carefully select kinematic variables of interest when using the present IMU device for velocity-based training (VBT), as certain measurements (e.g., CMV, CPV) do not possess practically acceptable reliability or accuracy. Finally, the IMU device exhibited considerable practical data collection concerns, as one participant was completely excluded and 13% of the remaining attempts displayed obvious internal error.

Effects of Water Immersion on Squat and Split Squat Kinematics in Older Adults.

This study examined the effect of water immersion on trunk and lower limb kinematics during squat exercises in older participants. A total of 24 active older adults (71.4 ± 5.4years) performed squats and split squats on land and while partially submerged in water. Inertial sensors (100Hz) were used to record trunk and lower body kinematics. Water immersion increased the squat depth (squat: p = .028, d = 0.63 and split squat: p = .005, d = 0.83) and reduced the trunk flexion range (squat: p = .006, d = 0.76 and split squat: p < .001, d = 1.35) during both exercises. In addition, water immersion increased the hip range of motion during the split squat (p = .002, d = 0.94). Waveform analyses also indicated differences in the timing of the movements. These results showed that water-based exercise generates a different exercise outcome and appears to provide an alternative option for older adults, enabling exercisers to perform these tasks in a manner not possible on land.

The Influence of Squat Kinematics and Cam Morphology on Acetabular Stress

To evaluate the effect of varying degrees of simulated cam morphology on acetabular stress magnitude and location using a finite element model with 1 subject that incorporates population-specific hip/pelvis kinematics during a squat task. A reference model of the hip joint was created from magnetic resonance images obtained from 1 asymptomatic 28-year-old man without femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology or hip dysplasia (alpha angle 41.9°, lateral center edge angle 34.0°, neck-shaft angle 137°, and no visible articular cartilage lesions or bone marrow edema on magnetic resonance). The femoral head/neck geometry was manipulated to mimic different cam morphology severities as reported in a previous study (minimum, moderate, and large). Peak hip and pelvis squat kinematics from healthy individuals (hip flexion 112.6°, abduction 10.5°, internal rotation 14.8°) and persons with FAI (hip flexion 106.3°, abduction 10.5°, internal rotation 8.9°) were applied to the control and cam models. Relative acetabular joint stress values and location of contact were the variables of interest. Average von Mises stress values for control, minimum, moderate, and large cam models were 9.64, 9.27, 11.36, and 28.43MPa, respectively. Contact in the control and minimum cam models occurred within the acetabular cup. In the moderate and large cam models, contact shifted anterosuperiorly within the acetabular cup and to anterosuperior acetabular rim, respectively. Despite simulating lower degrees of hip flexion and internal rotation, increased stress and a shift in contact location were observed in the simulated models of FAI. This finding suggests that decreased hip internal rotation in this population during functional tasks may be the result of bony abutment. Clinicians should be cautious about prescribing deep squats for persons with cam morphology. Performing squat exercises with neutral or external hip rotation may limit bony abutment at high hip flexion angles.

Patient-specific anatomical and functional parameters provide new insights into the pathomechanism of cam FAI.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) represents a constellation of anatomical and clinical features, but definitive diagnosis is often difficult. The high prevalence of cam deformity of the femoral head in the asymptomatic population as well as clinical factors leading to the onset of symptoms raises questions as to what other factors increase the risk of cartilage damage and hip pain. The purpose was to identify any differences in anatomical parameters and squat kinematics among symptomatic, asymptomatic, and control individuals and if these parameters can determine individuals at risk of developing symptoms of cam FAI. Forty-three participants (n = 43) were recruited and divided into three groups: symptomatic (12), asymptomatic (17), and control (14). Symptomatic participants presented a cam deformity (identified by an elevated alpha angle on CT images), pain symptoms, clinical signs, and were scheduled for surgery. The other recruited volunteers were blinded and unaware whether they had a cam deformity. After the CT data were assessed for an elevated alpha angle, participants with a cam deformity but who did not demonstrate any clinical signs or symptoms were considered asymptomatic, whereas participants without a cam deformity and without clinical signs or symptoms were considered healthy control subjects. For each participant, anatomical CT parameters (axial alpha angle, radial alpha angle, femoral head-neck offset, femoral neck-shaft angle, medial proximal femoral angle, femoral torsion, acetabular version) were evaluated. Functional squat parameters (maximal squat depth, pelvic range of motion) were determined using a motion capture system. A stepwise discriminant function analysis was used to determine which of the parameters were most suitable to classify each participant with their respective subgroup. The symptomatic group showed elevated alpha angles and lower femoral neck-shaft angles, whereas the asymptomatic group showed elevated alpha angles in comparison with the control group. The best discriminating parameters to determine symptoms were radial alpha angle, femoral neck-shaft angle, and pelvic range of motion (p < 0.001). In the presence of a cam deformity, indications of a decreased femoral neck-shaft angle and reduced pelvic range of motion can identify those at risk of symptomatic FAI.

Relationship of Single Leg Squat Kinematics on Upper Extremity Kinetics in Baseball Pitchers

Relationship of Single Leg Squat Kinematics on Upper Extremity Kinetics in Baseball Pitchers

Comparison of Back Squat Kinematics between Barefoot and Shoe Conditions

Comparison of Back Squat Kinematics between Barefoot and Shoe Conditions

Comparison of Back Squat Kinematics between Barefoot and Shoe Conditions

The purpose of the study was to compare the kinematics of the barbell back squat between two footwear conditions and to evaluate the results with respect to recommendations put forth in the National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement for proper squat technique. Twenty-five subjects with 5 – 7 years of resistance training experience participated. Selected kinematics were measured during a 60% of 1RM barbell back squat in both barefoot and athletic shoe conditions. Paired-samples T tests were performed to compare the two footwear conditions. Significant differences were found in trunk (50.72±8.27 vs. 46.97±9.87), thigh (20.94±10.19 vs. 24.42±11.11), and shank segment angles (59.47±5.54 vs. 62.75±6.17), and knee joint angles (81.33±13.70 vs. 88.32±15.45) at the peak descent position. Based on the kinematic analysis of the barefoot squat, two kinematic advantages are countered by two disadvantages. Coaches and instructors should acknowledge these results with respect to a performer's capability, and be aware the advantages and disadvantages of barefoot squat from a kinematic perspective.

The Effects of Rearfoot Position on Lower Limb Kinematics during Bilateral Squatting in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Pronated Foot Type

Clinicians frequently assess movement performance during a bilateral squat to observe the biomechanical effects of foot orthotic prescription. However, the effects of rearfoot position on bilateral squat kinematics have not been established objectively to date. This study aims to investigate these effects in a population of healthy adults with a pronated foot type.Ten healthy participants with a pronated foot type bilaterally (defined as a navicular drop >9mm) performed three squats in each of three conditions: barefoot, standing on 10mm shoe pitch platforms and standing on the platforms with foam wedges supporting the rearfoot in subtalar neutral. Kinematic data was recorded using a 3D motion analysis system. Between-conditions changes in peak joint angles attained were analysed.Peak ankle dorsiflexion (p=0.0005) and hip abduction (p=0.024) were significantly reduced, while peak knee varus (p=0.028) and flexion (p=0.0005) were significantly increased during squatting in the subtalar neutral position compared to barefoot. Peak subtalar pronation decreased by 5.33° (SD 4.52°) when squatting on the platforms compared to barefoot (p=0.006), but no additional significant effects were noted in subtalar neutral.Significant changes in lower limb kinematics may be observed during bilateral squatting when rearfoot alignment is altered. Shoe pitch alone may significantly reduce peak pronation during squatting in this population, but additional reductions were not observed in the subtalar neutral position. Further research investigating the effects of footwear and the subtalar neutral position in populations with lower limb pathology is required.

Age-related changes in kinematics of the knee joint during deep squat

Researchers frequently use the deep knee squat as a motor task in order to evaluate the kinematic performance after total knee arthroplasty. Many authors reported about the kinematics of a normal squatting motion, however, little is known on what the influence of aging is. Twenty-two healthy volunteers in various age groups (range 21–75years) performed a deep knee squat activity while undergoing motion analysis using an optical tracking system. The influence of aging was evaluated with respect to kinematics of the trunk, hip, knee and ankle joints. Older subjects required significantly more time to perform a deep squat, especially during the descending phase. They also had more knee abduction and delayed peak knee flexion. Older subjects were slower in descend than ascend during the squat. Although older subjects had a trend towards less maximal flexion and less internal rotation of the knee compared to younger subjects, this difference was not significant. Older subjects also showed a trend towards more forward leaning of the trunk, resulting in increased hip flexion and anterior thoracic tilt.This study confirmed that some aspects of squat kinematics vary significantly with age, and that the basic methodology employed here can successfully detect these age-related trends. Older subjects had more abduction of the knee joint, and this may indicate the load distribution of the medial and lateral condyles could be different amongst ages. Age-matched control data are therefore required whenever the performance of an implant is evaluated during a deep knee squat.

Kinematic and Kinetic Analysis of the Squat with and Without Knee Wraps

Powerlifters, bodybuilders, Olympic-style weightlifters and strength/power athletes often use knee wraps in the squat exercise in an attempt to maximize repetitions performed at a certain load or to increase 1RM. Little research has investigated the effects of knee wrap use on the biomechanics of the squat. PURPOSE: To determine if the use of knee wraps affects squat kinematics and kinetics in trained powerlifters. METHODS: In a counterbalanced design, ten trained powerlifters performed squats to a femur-parallel position both with (W) and without (NW) knee wraps. Each powerlifter performed a structured warm-up with rest periods ranging from four to six minutes between sets depending on load, followed by one set of six repetitions at the subject's 12 RM for both W and NW conditions. Global squat characteristics (e.g., repetition time, percent cycle descent-ascent transition, center of mass, vertical displacement) were assessed by dependent t-test. Further, two 3 (joint position) x 2 (wrap condition) repeated measure ANOVAs with a Bonferroni correction were performed for (1) concentric and eccentric work, and (2) peak flexion. RESULTS: There were no significant differences (p<0.5) in global squat characteristics or in interactions between joint position and wrap condition. However, collectively a significant main effect (p<.05) was found for joint in peak flexion and in concentric and eccentric work (hip > knee > ankle). CONCLUSIONS: While the significant main effects suggest subjects performed a correct squatting technique, the use of knee wraps did not alter subjects' biomechanics. In addition, the use of knee wraps did not influence work performed at relevant joints. Further research is warranted to elucidate the effects of knee wraps on a subject's ability to perform maximal repetitions at submaximal loads and on a subject's 1 RM. The present research project helps narrow the possible mechanisms involved in such an effect. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This data does not support any practice whereby strength and conditioning specialists either promote the use of knee wraps or dissuade athletes from using them. Practically, as many athletes describe a feeling of enhanced confidence with the use of knee wraps during the squat, the strength and conditioning specialist has no reason to believe the use of knee wraps will negatively affect the transfer of strength/power from the squat to the target sport activity.