Effect of Inclined Squat Position on Neuromuscular Activity of Gluteus Medius and Gastrocnemius Muscles in Normal Children

Abstract

Background: The varied position of squatting involves bending the knees and hips while maintaining the body's weight on the feet.  Variations of used tools in squat and angles of joints affect the neuromuscular activity of the muscles. The muscles in the lower limbs are  crucial for maintaining a good gait as well as for doing various exercises like jumping and sprinting.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how the inclination of ankle joint affects the activity of gluteus medius (GMed) and  gastrocnemius (GC) muscles.

Methods: Thirty normal children were included in this study. Two wooden wedges covered by rubber with inclination angles 5 and 10  degrees were used. To examine the muscle activity of the GMed and GC, a comparison analysis with electromyography was conducted.  

Results: The muscle activity of GMed and GC muscles increased with increased the angle of inclination. When squatting on 5 degrees  inclined board, the muscle activity of both muscles was significantly higher than during squatting on the ground, and when squatting on  10 degrees inclined board, the muscles activity was significantly higher than squatting on 0 and 5 degrees inclination.

Conclusion:  Squatting on an incline board is a good position for increasing muscle activation in the GMed and GC.