IMPACT OF FEMORAL MORPHOLOGY ON MUSCLE FORCES AND JOINT LOADS DURING HIGH-LOAD SQUATS IN ELITE POWERLIFTERS - A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

Authors

Basílio Gonçalves, University of ViennaFollow
Alexander Pürzel, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaFollow
Willi Koller, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaFollow
David Deimel, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaFollow
Arnold Baca, University of ViennaFollow
Hans Kainz, University of ViennaFollow

Category

Modelling / Simulation

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of femoral morphology on musculoskeletal loading during high-load squats. Three Austrian top-ranked powerlifters executed competition-style squats at 90% of their 1-repetition-maximum, captured with a 3D motion capture system. Femoral anteversion (AVA) and neck-shaft angles were quantified from magnetic resonance images. For each athlete, two musculoskeletal models were created: 1) generic and 2) athlete-specific femoral geometry. Muscle forces and joint contact forces were estimated using static optimisation and normalized to bodyweight (BW). Results show increases in hip and knee muscle work (2-14 J/BW) and hip and knee joint contact forces (0.5-2.3 BW) when comparing generic with athlete-specific models, particularly in athletes with low AVA. Findings suggest that low AVA leads to increased musculoskeletal loading during high-load squats.

Recommended Citation

Gonçalves, Basílio; Pürzel, Alexander; Koller, Willi; Deimel, David; Baca, Arnold; and Kainz, Hans (2024) "IMPACT OF FEMORAL MORPHOLOGY ON MUSCLE FORCES AND JOINT LOADS DURING HIGH-LOAD SQUATS IN ELITE POWERLIFTERS - A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 258.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/258