| A Comparative Kinematic Analysis of the Trunk and Lower Extremities During the Squat Test in Individuals With and Without Myopathy |
| Paper ID : 1395-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Hanie Farhangi *, Fatemeh Behmanesh, Danial Saraei University of Allame Tabataba'i |
| Abstract |
| Abstract Introduction: Myopathies disrupt fundamental movement patterns through progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The squat, as a functional activity, is highly sensitive for revealing compensatory strategies due to muscle weakness, which are often reflected in the kinematics of the trunk and lower extremities. Therefore, this study aimed to quantitatively compare these kinematic parameters between individuals with myopathy and healthy controls. Methods: Twelve individuals with myopathy and twelve matched healthy controls performed squats to thigh parallel. A 3D motion capture system was used to record movement. Kinematic analysis was performed at the precise instant the knee reached 60 degrees of flexion during the descent phase. Trunk flexion (relative to vertical), hip flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion angles were extracted and compared using an independent t-test. Results: The myopathy group demonstrated significantly greater trunk flexion compared to the healthy group (45.8° ± 5.2 vs. 32.1° ± 3.1; p < 0.01). Ankle dorsiflexion was also significantly reduced in the myopathy group (15.2° ± 3.8 vs. 21.9° ± 4.1; p < 0.05). No significant difference in hip flexion angle was observed between groups (p > 0.23). Conclusion: The findings confirm the presence of distinct compensatory strategies in individuals with myopathy, characterized by increased forward trunk lean and reduced ankle mobility. These altered movement patterns could serve as biomarkers for assessing disease progression and the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions. |
| Keywords |
| Myopathy, Squat, Kinematics, Biomechanics, Lower Extremity, Compensatory Movements, Rehabilitation |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
