The effect of experimentally induced gluteal muscle weakness on joint kinematics, reaction forces, and dynamic balance performance during deep bilateral squats

Review written by Dr Carlo Wood info

Key Points

  1. Performing a squat after a nerve block to alter gluteal strength results in no difference in hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics. There is an increased anterior pelvic tilt but several muscular compensations occur to maintain the kinematics.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Incorrect squatting increases altered forces in the lower extremity joints. Hip muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and osteoarthritis might influence squat performance. Gluteus maximus weakness is observed through prolonged sitting, anterior pelvic tilt, overactivity of hip flexors, pain, and damage to the inferior gluteal nerve (IGN). Hip abductors are important for the stabilization of the trunk during stance phase.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of experimentally induced weakness of the gluteal muscles on joint kinematics, joint reaction forces (JRFs), and dynamic balance performance during deep bilateral squats.

Hip muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and osteoarthritis might influence squat performance.
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This study’s results imply that squat performance changes significantly following weakness of gluteal muscles and understanding these changes is important to decrease training related injuries.

METHODS

  • 10 healthy volunteers received blocks of the branch to the superior and inferior gluteal nerves (SGN and IGN) or SGN to TFL.
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