Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see if vastus medialis oblique/vastus lateralis ratios (VMO/VL) could be increased by widening the squat stance and/or by performing deeper ranges of knee flexion. Subjects: Fifteen Nova Southeastern University physical therapy students. Methods: Two squats, one with a narrow stance and one with a wide stance were performed. Each squat was performed through three ranges, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion. Results: No significant results were found between the squat stances for VMO/VL ratios. Significant differences were found between the ranges of knee flexion for VMO/VL ratios. Discussion: Contrary to popular theory, it appears the VMO is increasingly active through increasing ranges of knee flexion during the squat.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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