Electromyography of Quadriceps Muscles during Wall Squat in Three Different Foot Positions

Abstract

^{Weight training exercises such as squats can reduce the pain in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Squat is one of the weight-bearing exercises that trains the pelvic muscles and thighs and strengthens the lower muscles. Squat biomechanics has been previously explored by manipulating the position of the load, the surface contours of the footrest, or the depth of movement. A difference in foot position can affect the muscle activation and thus the exercise outcome. We aimed to determine the activation of the quadriceps muscle group during wall squats with variations in foot positions, including the neutral position and internal and external rotations. Six male basketball athletes in the age group 19–25 years without any past complaints of the lower legs were recruited. Electromyographic sensors were placed on the rectus femoris, vastus medialis oblique, and the vastus lateralis. The participants performed 90-degree knee angle isometric wall squats in three different foot positions (neutral position, internal rotation, and external rotation). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the 90-degree isometric wall squats performed in the three different foot positions. Isometric wall squat in different foot positions does not influence the activation of the quadriceps muscle.}