Changes in the activity of selected muscles during deep squat correction

Abstract

Background: Deep squatting, as part of postural ontogenesis, is an integral part of
every athlete's training. Squats performed with the correct kinesiological pattern can
ensure optimal loading of the musculoskeletal system, affect the function of the
diaphragm and thus breathing in addition to positively affect the pelvic floor muscles.
On the contrary, in the case of insufficient coordination, we can detect a failure in the
stabilization of individual segments.
Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the difference in the quality of muscle
involvement in two variants of squats. The first squat was natural for an athlete
without the intervention of a therapist, and in the second one we tried to adjust the
individual segments biomechanically correctly.
Methods: The group included 20 athletes, with an average age of 21.85 years. The
measurement took place in the MSC Dukla Banská Bystrica building at a uniform
time from 10:00AM to 12:30PM. We used a biomedical telemetry system with
surface EMG. M. biceps femoris, m. semitendinosus, m. vastus medialis and m.
erector spinae were measured.
Results: The activity of the muscles on the back of the thigh showed lower average
values after squat correction by physiotherapist instructions (significant in one case).
Differences in activity of all muscles: m. biceps femoris dx (p = 0.16005), sin (p = 0,
00268), m. semitendinosus dx (p = 0.838), sin (p = 0.0852). m. vastus medialis dx (p
= 0.35), sin (p = 0.0066), m erector spinalis dx (p = 0.118), sin (p = 0.0632).
Conclusion: Our measurements showed that the correction of individual segments to
the correct biomechanical position was statistically confirmed in two cases (vastus
medialis sin. and m. biceps femoris sin.), But from a practical point of view we
recorded a positive effect on average muscle activity. and overall squat execution
efficiency.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24040/sjss.2021.7.1.37-47