A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice

Abstract

The squat is one of the most frequently prescribed exercises in the rehabilitative setting. Performance of the squat can be modified by changing parameters such as stance width, foot rotation, trunk position, tibia position, and depth. An understanding of how the various squatting techniques can influence joint loading and muscular demands is important for the proper prescription of this exercise for various clinical conditions. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to discuss how the biomechanical demands of the squat can be influenced by various modifiable parameters. General recommendations for specific clinical conditions are presented. Level of Evidence 5

Smith machine squats pose high risk to ACL graft integrity after the ACL reconstruction and conventional squats are a safer alternative

“…Squats are especially desirable closed kinetic chain exercises for post-ACLR rehabilitation because they engage multiple large muscles within a single movement [2,5,6]. The stress on the anatomical structures of the knee joint varies depending on the type of squat and the technique employed [32]. After ACLR, highly motivated professional athletes often enquire whether they can change their squat technique to return to squats earlier.…”