The effects of performing squats on an inclined board on thigh muscle activation

The effects of performing squats on an inclined board on thigh muscle activation

Objective: The purpose of this study is to show the effectiveness of performing squat exercises at various angles to show the maximum muscle activity of the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) and Biceps femoris (BF). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of seventeen healthy young adults (8 males and 9 females) voluntarily participated in the study. All subjects randomly performed three different squat variations as follows: A squat performed with the ankle joint at 0° of incline, a squat performed with the ankle joint at 5° of incline, and a squat performed with the ankle joint at 10° incline. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography. Electrodes were placed on the VMO and BF to measure the muscle activity on the various ankle angles for comparison analysis. Results: There was a significant increase in bilateral VMO muscle activation at 10° of incline compared to 0° and 5° (p<0.05). Greater increases in muscle activation and exercise effect was observed with increasing incline angles of the board. Changes in bilateral BF muscle activity were found; however, none were found to be significant. Conclusions: Bilateral VMO activity was found to be significant when the squats were performed at an ankle angle of 10° of incline when compared to at an ankle angle of 0° and 5° of incline. Squats performed on an incline can be recommended as an effective method to facilitate lower extremity muscle activities.