MAXIMAL DEPTH SQUATING IN ASYMPTOMATIC UNILATERAL CAM FAI

Abstract

Femoracetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that causes hip joint pain and has been found to result in decreased range of motion. However it is not known whether biomechanical deficiencies are associated with the mechanical impingement or further underlying issues associated with pain. This study consisted of comparing the squat biomechanics of two FAI groups to a matched control group. It was found that the asymptomatic group had squat performance very similar to the control group. Both the control and asymptomatic groups were able to squat to a deeper depth, had greater pelvic range of motion and a larger maximum hip flexion angle. These findings suggest that the bone deformity might not be directly related to restricting motion for the squat, and an issue of soft tissue damage and muscle problems may be the root cause, and should be the next avenue of study.