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- Issue 87
- Impact of the deep squat on…
Impact of the deep squat on articular knee joint structures, friend or enemy? A scoping review
Key Points
- The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the existing literature on the effects of squat depth on the knee, a topic that’s been debated for decades.
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
Resistance training is known not only to enhance a wide range of physical and performance metrics but also to reduce injury risk. One quintessential exercise for the lower body is the squat. Despite the squat’s well-established benefits, its safety has been debated for decades.
One particularly contentious subject is squat depth. Research dating back to the 1960s suggested “full” or “deep” squats lead to ligamentous laxity (1), with a review from this century continuing to caution athletes about these risks (2). More recent work has also highlighted the high stress squats place on the patellofemoral joint (3). These studies have led to recommendations to limit squat depth to lesser degrees of knee flexion (e.g. half or parallel squats).
However, the evidence these recommendations stem from is limited and, at times, contradictory. Thus, their accuracy warrants scrutiny. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the existing literature that investigates the effects of squat depth on the knee.
The authors concluded that deep squats are, in fact, safe and effective to include in resistance training programs for individuals with healthy knees.
METHODS
The authors conducted a scoping review of studies published between 2000 and 2024 that investigated the effects of squats on the knee with at least six weeks’ follow-up. They searched multiple databases and included studies of various designs, including reviews.