Three-dimensional kinetic analysis of lower limbs in barbell squat

Barbell squat can improve the lower body strength for weightlifter to enhance their performance. Previous studies mentioned that the full three-dimensional biomechanical analysis of lower limbs is greatly helpful for understanding the musculoskeletal mechanism in barbell squat exercise. The purpose of this study was to estimate the joint kinetics of lower limbs during the barbell squat. Thirteen male weightlifters from college weightlifting team members performed barbell squat with 85% weight of his one repetition maximum in the motion analysis laboratory. Motion analysis system and two force plateforms were used to collect the kinematic and kinetic data. The results showed that the major joint movements were not only occurred in the sagittal plane, but also in the frontal plane and transverse plane. The knee and hip joints suffered high compression forces and shear forces. The results also showed that ankle plantarflexor, knee extensor, hip flexor, and abductor were dominant muscles in barbell squat exercise. These finding could provide the additional guidelines for sports injury prevention and treatment, as well as guidelines of strength training program design for the coaches and athletic trainer.