Addressing Biomechanical Errors in the Back Squat for Older Adults: A Clinical Perspective for Maintaining Neutral Spine and Knee Alignment
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Falls pose a significant health risk for older adults, often due to balance disorders and decreased mobility. <b>Methods:</b> The ability to perform sit-to-stand transfers, which involve squatting, is crucial for daily independence. Incorporating squats into exercise routines can enhance lower body strength, reduce fall risk, and improve overall quality of life. <b>Results:</b> While the back squat is beneficial, proper form is essential to avoid biomechanical errors, like lumbar hyperlordosis and knee valgus. <b>Conclusions:</b> Health and fitness professionals, such as physical therapists and/or clinical exercise physiologists, should carefully guide older adults in performing the back squat, addressing any functional deficits, and ensuring proper technique to minimize the risk of injury and maximize the benefits.
Authors
- Ali Boolani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2261-4498)
- Zacharias Papadakis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8437-8067)
- Kwadwo Osei Appiah-Kubi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6566-9758)
- Rania Almajid (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3984-2796)
- Nata Parnes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6989-4290)
- Matthew Lee Smith (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8232-9285)
- Andreas Stamatis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9438-0558)
Institutions
- Oklahoma State University (US)
- Texas A&M Health Science Center (US)
- University of Louisville (US)
- Barry University (US)
- Clarkson University (US)
- Carthage College (US)
- Stockton University (US)
- Texas A&M University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
- Published
- 2024-11-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040224
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.74