Date of Award

2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Bilateral eccentric decline squatting has been well documented as a rehabilitation exercise; however, little information exists on the optimum angle of decline. This study aimed to examine the effect of 15°, 20°, 25°, and 30° decline squat angles on knee extensors activation using Electromyography (EMG) in healthy subjects when 60° knee flexion was achieved. Twenty-eight participants [male (n = 14) and female (n = 14) (aged 21.29 ± 1.89 years, body mass 154.44 ± 35.63lb, height 170.81 ± 10.07 cm)] completed a standardized warm-up, Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions (MVIC) at 60° knee flexion and then performed each of the 4 decline angles with 3 squat reps (4 sets x 3 reps) with a 2-minute rest period between sets. The vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis (VM) were examined using EMG. The results indicate that VL, RF, and VM % EMG peak and mean were not significantly different (p > 0.05) on each of four decline squat angles (15°, 20°, 25°, and 30°). Data from this study demonstrates that from 15° to 30° decline squat angles produce no difference on quadriceps muscle activation. The result indicates these four decline angles can be used for rehabilitation exercise; however, numerous client depended aspects that should be taken into consideration when selecting exercise during the rehabilitation process.

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