COMPARISON OF MOMENTS AND SHEAR FORCES OF THE HIP AND KNEE DURING STEP UPS AND SINGLE LEG SQUATS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate moments and shear forces at the hip and knee during step ups and single leg squats. Subjects were 12 weight trained adults. Each subject performed 3 repetitions of step ups and single leg squats using 70% of 1 repetition maximum. 2 X 2 (lift X phase (eccentric/concentric)) repeated measures ANOVAs were performed for each dependent variable. Significant interaction effects (p<0.05) were observed for knee shear force, hip shear force, and hip moment. Main effects (p<0.05) for both lift and phase were observed for knee moment. The single leg squat produced greater hip and knee moments with less absolute weight. The single leg squat may be a better exercise for healthy individuals, but may be problematic for those with a hip or knee dysfunction.