PRELIMINARY STUDY: INTERPRETATION OF BARBELL BACK SQUAT KINEMATICS USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to reduce the number of kinematic variables of the barbell back squat for easier interpretation by coaches and athletes. Young active adults (N=25) performed the back squat with an intensity of 60%. A total of 10 lower body and trunk measurements were considered for principal components analysis (PCA). Based on the PCA, two components were revealed. The primary component related range of motions (ROMs) in the ankle and knee joints with greater peak flexion angles of ankle, knee, and shank and thigh segments. A secondary component related hip ROMs and hip posterior displacement with greater hip and trunk segment peak flexion angles. Based on this analysis, coaches teaching the barbell back squat should consider two sources of movement variability, one above and one below the hip.