A systematic review of the discriminating biomechanical parameters during the single leg squat

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2019-03, Vol.36, p.78-91
• Main Authors: Warner, Martin B., Wilson, David A., Herrington, Lee, Dixon, Sharon, Power, Conor, Jones, Richard, Heller, Markus O., Carden, Patrick, Lewis, Cara L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena - physiology; Biomechanics; Exercise Test; Humans; Injury; Kinematics; Knee; Lower Extremity - physiology; Medical research; Medical Subject Headings-MeSH; Motion capture; Musculoskeletal Diseases - diagnosis; Musculoskeletal Diseases - physiopathology; Physical therapy; Principal components analysis; Single leg squat; Sports medicine; Studies; Systematic review; User interface
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.01.007

To determine whether there are common biomechanical parameters when analysing the single leg squat movement to compare pathological and non-pathological groups and whether these parameters are able to effectively distinguish between groups. Five electronic databases were searched using MESH terms, keywords and phrases across four constructs: squat, biomechanical measures, region of interest, study design. Studies were selected based on inclusion of a quantitative biomechanical measure, compared between a pathological and a non-pathological group, and participants performed a single leg squat movement. Fifteen studies were included and reviewed, where the majority of studies investigated patellofemoral pain. There was considerable variation in the biomechanical outcome measure used to compare between groups. The frontal plane projection angle was the most commonly reported measure. There was considerable variation in the manner in which the single leg squat was performed. Due to variation in how the single leg squat was performed, it was not possible to determine specific biomechanical parameters that distinguish between pathological and non-pathological groups. Frontal plane projection angle appeared to be a parameter that could be effectively utilised. Standardisation of the single leg squat movement is needed to allow comparison between studies of pathological and non-pathological groups. •There is considerable variation in how the single leg squat movement is performed.•Frontal plane projection angle appears to be a consistent biomechanical parameter.•Standardisation of methods is needed to allow comparison.