Patellofemoral joint kinetics in females when using different depths and loads during the barbell back squat
Abstract
Back squats are a common strengthening exercise for knee and hip musculature. However, repetitive loaded movements like backs squats result in high patellofemoral joint loading and therefore may contribute to the development of common overuse injuries. Thus, it is important to understand how changing parameters such as squat depth or load influences patellofemoral loading. This study investigated differences in patellofemoral loading when experienced female lifters squatted to three depths (above parallel, parallel, and below parallel) and with three loads (unloaded, 50%, and 85% of depth-specific one repetition maximums). Patellofemoral joint reaction forces (pfJRF) and stresses (pfJS) were calculated from biomechanical models incorporating knee extensor moments (KEM) and joint angles. Peak KEMs displayed a depth-by-load interaction such that within each depth, as load increased so did peak KEM. However, within each load, the effects of depth were different. Peak pfJRF also increased with load and was higher at below parallel than above or parallel depths. Peak pfJS also displayed a depth-by-load interaction, increasing with load within a given depth, and being greatest at the below parallel depths within a given load. If patellofemoral joint loading is a concern, clinicians or coaches should carefully monitor the depth and load combinations being used.
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The hip flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (10%-48%) or not different compared to narrow/medium stance squatting.
“Similarly, the hip flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (10%-48%)26,27 or not different compared to narrow/medium stance squatting.25”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
A wide stance results in higher hip external rotation moments (19%-37%) compared to narrow/medium stance squats.
“With respect to the frontal and transverse planes, a wide stance results in greater knee valgus moments (23%)25 and higher hip external rotation moments (19%-37%) when compared to narrow/medium stance squats.26”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
The impact of stance width on the sagittal plane is conflicting.
“In terms of the sagittal plane, however, the impact of stance width is conflicting.25–27”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
Compared to a narrow/medium stance, the knee flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (69%-80%), lower (11%), or not different.
“Compared to a narrow/medium stance, the knee flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (69%-80%),27 lower (11%),25 or not different.26”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
Increased gluteus maximus activation can be achieved through the use of wider stance squats, as well as external band resistance around the thighs.
“Increased gluteus maximus activation can be achieved through the use of wider stance squats,26–29 as well as external band resistance around the thighs.45,46”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
A wider stance during squatting reduces lumbar loading and permits a more upright lumbar (less kyphosis).
“Additionally, a wider stance during squatting reduces lumbar loading26 and permits a more upright lumbar (less kyphosis).60”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [26]
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A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice.
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Vicente-Loren, C., Lucha-López, M. O., Monti-Ballano, S., Hijazo-Larrosa, S., Vicente-Pina, L., Ferrández-Laliena, L., Tricás-Moreno, J. M., & Hidalgo-García, C. (2026) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s26123749
- Authors
- Zavala, L., Flores, V., Cotter, J. A., & Becker, J.
- Affiliations
- Montana State University (US)
- California State University, Long Beach (US)
- Corresponding author
- Becker, James
- Venue
- European Journal of Sport Science
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2020-10-02
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 976-984
- ISSN
- 1536-7290 (ISSN-L)
- 1746-1391
- OpenAlex
- W3048467231
- Cited by
- 11
- References
- 38
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2
- FWCI
- 0.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- European Journal of Sport Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Keywords
- patellofemoral joint loading, back squat, squat depth, knee extensor moment, joint reaction forces, joint stress, overuse injuries, biomechanical modeling
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Female, Humans, Kinetics, Weight Lifting, Weight-Bearing, Young Adult, Patellofemoral Joint
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