You are on page 1of 10

Antropomotoryka.

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences


JKES 93 (31): 11-20, 2021

SECTION – FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

(1.1) DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0015.7065

INFLUENCE OF PISTOL SQUAT


ON DECLINE ANGLE
AND HAMSTRING MUSCLE ACTIVITY
IN A HEALTHY POPULATION
Authors’ contribution:
A. Study design/planning Madeshwaran Elumalai 1 ABCDEFG, Jothi Prasanna 2 ABCDEFG
B. Data collection/entry
C. Data analysis/statistics
D. Data interpretation
E. Preparation of manuscript
1
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Institute
F. Literature analysis/search
2
SRM College of Physiotherapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology
G. Funds collection

Article received: 24.01.2021;


Accepted: 22.03.2021 Keywords: Pistol squat, Optimal decline angle, Muscle activity, pistol squat training,
Published: 31.03.2021 Electromyography.

Abstract:
Background: Modern lifestyle and physically inactive society is one of the most common causes of the reduced knee joint
mobility. Underactive and uneven distribution of stresses on the knee joint is one the main causes for decreased joint stability and
flexibility.
Aim: the purpose of the study is to know the Influence of pistol squat over decline angle and Hamstring muscle activity of
healthy population.
Methodology: It is a Quasi Experimental Study design, of about 20 subjects aged 18 to 25 years and both male and female
healthy population were included in the study. Ordinal scale was used to assess the Decline angle of knee range of motion. Sub-
jects were asked to perform pistol squat and the muscle activity of Hamstring was analyzed through Electromyography and 6
weeks Pistol squat protocol training was given. Then, the pre-test and post-test values were compared by using paired sample
t test and Chi square test.
Results: shows that there is a significant change in Muscle activity (significant increase) and Decline angle (Significant in-
crease) from Pre to post test. There is a significant change in ordinal scale value from pre to post. Significant change in scores
from Very poor to Poor, Poor to Normal, Normal to Optimal ordinal scores.
Conclusion: In this study the squatting activity had a significant effect on the flexibility of hamstrings and increased muscle
activity as well as achieved the optimal decline angle of knee joint improved on the healthy population.

Introduction Maintaining good postural exercise prevents further


abnormal adaptation of posture in the gluteal amnesia
To maintain good physical health, seeking guidance from with regression in hamstring flexibility. This affects the
a physiotherapist is greatly essential. A sedentary life- knee joint by inappropriate weight bearing. Pistol squats
style is one of the major causes of prolonged immobility are difficult but an equally rewarding bodyweight exer-
in people that extends the period of sitting, leading to cise. Pistol squats are a great unilateral exercise that re-
muscle tightness, mainly in the lower limbs and at the quire strength, stability, flexibility and mobility. They also
back of the thighs. This makes it more difficult to move which demand significant balance, joint stability, mus-
with ease during day to day activities and can increase cle activation and body control along with body aware-
susceptibility to musculoskeletal injury. Due to a lack of ness, which is defined as the internal understanding
appropriate postural education, we are prone to postural of where the body is in space. This furthe helps avoid
deficits that affect our biomechanics. potential injury.

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences 11


Madeshwaran Elumalai, Jothi Prasanna

The dominant side will always exhibit good balance, tightness is a common factor because of maintaining
but perfect symmetry cannot be achieved. Pistol squats a sedentary lifestyle, single-leg squatting activity can be
are one of the ideal methods for addressing imbalance. recommended to maintain flexibility.
The benefits of the pistol squat are isolation of each leg Purdam et al. further examined eccentric exercise,
for balancing strength deficits, muscle recruitment, while noting that it is essential for more validation of these
improving posterior chain strength, increasing general single-limb squat exercises. Moreover, in many studies,
flexibility and mobility as well as stability, and improving the effectiveness of decline squats as a rehabilitative tool
proprioception though the leg and core. It plays a vital has been verified.
role for maintaining a normal gait pattern. By implement- The double-leg squat was first reported as part of
ing a proper pistol squat protocol, an optimal decline closed-chain knee rehabilitation in the 1990s1. The dou-
angle as well as lower limb flexibility can be achieved. ble-leg squat progressed into a single leg-squat as part
The pistol squat is predominately a knee flexion and of exercise progression. The first paper describing the
extension movement, where the quadriceps is involved single-leg squat was published by Chris Benn, a stu-
in the eccentric (flexion) and concentric (extension) ex- dent physical therapist at the University of Rhode Island,
ercise. The quadriceps provides control and power for United States of America, in 19882. The Pistol Squat,
the lower limbs. also known as the single-leg or one-legged squat, is an
With the pistol squat, core stabilizers allow power advanced bodyweight exercise in which the squat is per-
to shift from the lower to the upper body, and to resist formed using only one leg.
rotational forces on the spine during descent. During the The angle created by a descending line or plane with
pistol squat, the hamstrings stabilize and control the ec- a horizontal plane is called the decline angle. The decline
centric part of the movement, which is vital for lockout angle increases knee flexion and promotes flexibility of
(hip extension) and supporting the knee and hip joints the muscles as well as joint range of motion.
during the entire action. The objective of the study is to investigate muscle
Purdam et al. (2003) noted that further assessment activity of the pistol squat during decline by using elec-
of eccentric exercises is essential for further validation tromyography and to improve the optimal decline angle.
of these single limb squat exercises [1]. In particular, it To improve decline of the knee, more flexibility and
was identified that biomechanical tests of flat and decline stability are given to the joint and muscle imbalance is
squats are essential. corrected.
Therefore, the aim of the current study is to inves- In this study, the test was performed by using surface
tigate the biomechanical effects and muscular involve- electromyography to examine hamstring muscle activity.
ment when performing squats at different decline angles In this trial, focus was more on the hamstring muscle
and to discuss the implications for different rehabilita- because the majority of knee joint problem arise due to
tion protocols; the hypothesis being that there is a bio- hamstring weakness and instability of the knee joints.
mechanically optimum angle for squat decline in knee How far knee flexion can occur in a closed kinetic
rehabilitation. chain without any musculoskeletal dysfunction dur-
Khan et al. explained that although they appear to ing the pistol squat, and then how efficiently hamstring
have a clinical effect, many eccentric exercises and muscles undergo the eccentric load, will be discussed
techniques employed have little scientific background to in this study.
support their use [2].
Jim Richards et al. (2016) identified that the activ- Research Objective
ity of the hamstring muscles, especially of the biceps
femoris. increased as the decline angle increased above The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of
15 degrees [3]. The action of biceps femoris stabilizes pistol squat on decline angle and muscle activity of the
the knee against anterior displacement of the femur on lower limbs, as well as rehabilitation of the hamstring
the tibia. These findings would suggest that there is little muscle.
benefit of using a decline angle greater than 15-20 de-
grees unless the purpose is to offer an additional stability Need for the Study
challenge to the knee joint.
In this study, electromyographic examination is per- There are so many studies related to single-leg squat
formed with regard to the hamstring muscles during the tested globally, however, to date, there is not even a sin-
pistol squat. gle study regarding the pistol squat.
Kiran Mendhe et al. (2017) observed that a single- Thus, the following justifications for performing the
leg squat improves the flexibility of the hamstring and study can be given:
lower back muscles [4]. In young adults, for whom – To increase single-leg strength and balance.

12 Antropomotoryka
Influence of Pistol Squat on Decline...i

– To improve movement mechanics of the lower body.  Hamid R. Marateb. et al. (2011) (Accuracy assess-
– To isolate each leg for balancing strength deficits, ment of CKC high-density surface EMG decomposition
which plays a vital role on full movements of muscle in biceps femoris muscle). The biceps femoris long
recruitment as well as equal distribution of weight- head muscle activity of hamstring was noted [11].
loading.  Jim Richards, et al., 2016 (The effect of differ-
– To achieve adequate knee flexion range and muscle ent decline angles on the biomechanics of double
control. limb squats and the implications to clinical and
training practice). It was concluded thatsquat de-
Hypotheses cline angle offers knee rehabilitation that allows
a gradual increase in the load applied on the knee
NULL HYPOTHESIS: as well as a gradual reduction in ankle moments
There will be no significant improvement in pistol squat and forces as the decline angle increases with an
with regard to decline angle and muscle activity in adults. optimum angle of between 15-20 degrees, which
ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS: is less than the decline angles previously used in
There will be significant improvement in pistol squat with rehabilitation [12].
regard to decline angle and muscle activity in adults.  Anne Khuu, et al. (2016) (NOT ALL SINGLE LEG
SQUATS ARE EQUAL: A BIOMECHANICAL COMPAR-
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ISON OF THREE VARIATIONS). It was concluded that
Kiran Mendhe, et al. 2017 (Effect of single leg squatting the mechanics of the trunk, pelvis and lower extrem-
on sit and reach test in normal individuals) [4]. It was ity during the SLS were affected by the position of
concluded that single-leg squatting improved flexlibility the non-stance leg in healthy females. Practitioners
of the hamstring and lower back muscles. can use these findings to distinguish between SLS
 J. Zwerver, et l. (2007) (Biomechanical analysis of variations and to select the appropriate SLS for as-
the single-leg decline squat). It was conculded that sessment and rehabilitation [13].
all single-leg squats performed at a decline angle  Samuel J. Dawson, et al. 2015 (Improving Single-
>15degree increase patellofemoral force [5]. Legged–Squat Performance: Comparing 2 Training
 Jim Richards, et al. (2008) (A biomechanical inves- Methods With Potential Implications for Injury Pre-
tigation of a single-limb squat: implications for lower vention). It was concluded that a 6-week intervention
extremity rehabilitation exercise). It was concluded of either hip-strengthening or skill-acquisition train-
that as the decline angle increases, the ankle plantar ing improved lower limb biomechanics [14].
flexors decreased [6].  Xavier Valle, et al. (2015) (Hamstring Muscle Inju-
 Sean A. Horan, et al. (2014) (Lower-Limb Kinematics ries, a Rehabilitation Protocol Purpose). It was con-
of Single-Leg Squat Performance in Young Adults). cluded that exercises in open- and closed-kinetic
It was concluded that poorly executed single-limb chains for hip extension and knee flexion, overlap-
squat performance is characterised by inadequate ping strength work (isometric, concentric and ec-
knee flexion and excessive frontal plane motion of centric) in lengthening positions with a high hip
the knee and hip [7]. angle, are focused on recovering eccentric strength
 Khan KM, et al. (1998) (Patellar tendinopathy: some in all degrees but especially. when strain on the
aspects of basic science and clinical management). hamstrings is higher [15].
It was concluded that the applied strengthening pro-  Benjamin K. Weeks, et al., (2012) (Kinematic predic-
gramme emphasises functional exercises, including tors of single-leg squat performance: a comparison
eccentric training effects on squat [8]. of experienced physiotherapists and student physio-
 GK Fitzgerald, et al. (1997) (Open versus closed therapists). It was concluded that physiotherapists
kinetic chain exercise: issues in rehabilitation after and students are both capable of reliable SLS perfor-
anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery). It mance assessment. Physiotherapist assessments,
was concluded that closed0kinetic chain exercises however, bear stronger relationships to lower limb
provide more flexibility to the hamstring muscle [9]. kinematics and are more sensitive to hip joint motion
 Roland van den Tillaar, et al. (2018) (COMPARISON than student assessments [16].
OF BILATERAL AND UNILATERAL SQUAT EXERCIS-  Valdeci Carlos Dionisio, et al., (2013) (Horizontal and
ES ON BARBELL KINEMATICS AND MUSCLE ACTI- Declined Squats in Healthy Individuals: A Study of Ki-
VATION.). It was concluded that performing unilateral nematic and Muscle Patterns). It was concluded that
squats with the foot forward results in significantly decline and horizontal plane squats with bipodal sup-
greater activation of the semitendinosus and reduced port and control of trunk movements in the sagittal
activation of the other quadriceps muscles [10]. plane produce different kinematics (ankle and knee

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences 13


Madeshwaran Elumalai, Jothi Prasanna

joints) but did not modify EMG activity in HP and DP the inclusion criteria. The convenient sampling method
squats, or in descending and ascending phases of was used. Instructions are given to participants before
the movements [17]. pre-test assessment.
 Pablo Abian, et al., (2020) (Effects of Eccentric Sin- During the pre-test, the normal range of motion for
gle-Leg Decline Squat Exercise on the Morphological the lower limb is evaluated using a goniometer, while
and Structural Properties of the Vastus Lateralis and muscle girth and limb length measurements are carried
Patellar Tendon). It was concluded that the SLDSe out using an inch tape.
training carried out with the execution time of 6 s had To evaluate each subject’s single limb balance, a one
greater effects on the structural and elastic proper- repetition maximum of the pistol squat is performed, and
ties of the PT, and the exercise with the execution the comfortable decline angle for all individuals is as-
time of 3 s caused greater structural adaptations in sessed.
the VL musculature [18]. Before electromyographic evaluation, theinvesting
 Silvia Gianola, et al., (2017) (Single leg squat perfor- researcher should give proper instructions to the par-
mance in physically and non-physically active indi- ticipants.
viduals: a cross-sectional study). It was concluded Electromyographic activity of the subjects’ limbs
that physically active individuals seem to be at less during standing isrecorded by placing surface electrodes
risk to perform a non-good SLS while demonstrat- on both legs.
ing greater knee and hip flexion kinematics than non- The activity of the hamstring muscle is recored.
physically active individuals. Knee flexion can predict Prior to electrode attachment, the skin area should be
SLS performance quality, therefore, greater knee dry shaved, abraded with sandpaper and cleaned. 2,
flexion may also be considered a protective element self-adhesive disposal bipolar surface electrodes with
from injuries.[19] an active contact surface of 15 mm and with a 25-mm
inter-electrode spacing should be fixed to the skin sur-
Methodology face above each muscle.
After the pre-test, the researcher instructs all par-
STUDY DESIGN: Quasi experimental design ticipants to perform at least 40 repetitions of the pistol
STUDY TYPE: Pre-test/post-test type squat everyday, for 1 month, after which the post-testis
SAMPLE METHOD: Convenient sampling conducted.
SAMPLE SIZE: 20 subjects Finally, correlating with pre- and post-test data, the
STUDY SETTING: SRM University, conclusions are revealed to the subjects.
SRM Institute of Science
and technology
STUDY DURATION: 6 weeks

Inclusion Criteria
Age 18-25 years
Both men and women were included.
– All participants were free from musculoskeletal im-
pairement.

Exclusion Criteria
– Any musculoskeletal or neuromuscular pathologies.
Subjects having limb length discrepancies.
– Subjects with low back pain.
– Subjects with any musculoskeletal deformities in the
lower limbs.

Procedure
The participants were informed about the procedure and
the course of the study. Informed consent was obtained Figure 1. Analysis of left hamstring muscle activity via surface
who were willing to participate in the study according to electromyography.

14 Antropomotoryka
Influence of Pistol Squat on Decline...i

the proximal part of the thigh. Then, the fulcrum is the


knee joint. To obtain the decline angle, the subjects are
asked to descend down with a comfortable range before
the post-test.

Protocol
DURATION EXERCISE + REPETITION
Week one Pelvic bridging on both legs at 90-degree angle;
10 repetitions;
Holding time 30-60 counts;
Resting time: 20 counts.
During elevation of pelvis: begin with breath
hold.
Week two Pelvic bridging on single leg at 90-degree angle;
Figure 2. Analysis of right hamstring muscle activity via surface
10 repetitions;
electromyography.
Holding time: 30-60 counts;
Resting time: 20 counts;
Then, the range of knee joint motion is assessed us- Before elevation of pelvis: begin with breath
ing a goniometer. The steps to use a goniometer are: hold.
– Placement of goniometer: Week Double-leg squat with support of chair;
1. Align the fulcrum of the device with the fulcrum three 5 counts during standing period;
or the joint to be measured. 5 counts during sitting period;
20 repetitions.
2. Align the stationary arm of the device with the
limb being measured. Week four Double-leg squat without support;
3. Hold the arms of the goniometer in place while 20 repetitions;
Single-squat with support of chair;
the joint is moved through its range of motion. 20 reptitions on both legs.
4. The degree between the endpoints represents the
Week five Single-leg squat without support of chair;
entire range of motion.
20 repetitions;
– Assessment of knee range of motion (decline angle) Pistol squat;
is measured in the knee joint. 10 reptitions on both legs.
Knee flexion: Week six Pistol squat on each leg;
In a standing position, the fixed arm is placed over the 20 repetitions at maximum 90-degree knee
distal part of the leg. The moveable arm is placed over flexion range.

Tables 1 and 2:
Assessment of change in muscle activity and decline angle

Variable Timeline Mean SD Std. Error Mean


Pre 728.44 279.35 62.47
Muscle activity
Post 735.33 277.80 62.12
Pre 71.15 8.28 1.85
Decline angle
Post 76.70 8.97 2.01

Paired differences
95% Confidence Inter-
Variable Std. Error t df P value
Mean SD val of the difference
Mean
Lower Upper
Muscle activity -6.88 9.03 2.02 -11.11 -2.66 -3.41 19 .003
Decline angle -5.55 3.59 0.80 -7.23 -3.87 -6.91 19 .000

Test: Paired Samples t-test


Inference: The test shows that there is a significant change in muscle activity (significant increase) and decline angle (significant
increase) from the pre- to post-test.

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences 15


Madeshwaran Elumalai, Jothi Prasanna

Tools Used for Study: Then, a significant increase can be noted for the p-value
of muscle activity (0.003), for decline angle (>0).
– Goniometer; Table 3 represents quality parameters (ordinal scale)
– Electromyography; over the study period.
– Ordinal scale. In this study, the chi-square test was used to calcu-
late the quality parameters of the pistol squat.
Outcome Measures There is a significant change in ordinal scale value
from the pre- to post-test. Significant changes were not-
– Decline angle measured via goniometer; ed in ordinal scores from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’, ‘poor’ to
– Muscle activity measured via electromyography; ‘normal’, ‘normal’ to ‘optimal’.
– Performance of pistol squat graded in ordinal scale.
Discussion
DATA ANALYSIS The collected data were tabulated and ana-
lysed using descriptive statistics, while mean and standard In this study, the subjects were divided into 2 groups:
deviation were used to assess all the data parameters with pre-test and post-test, to determine the influence of the
the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version. pistol squat on decline angle and muscle activity of the
lower limbs, and to rehabilitate the hamstring muscle.
Results The conducted research allowed to show a significant
increase in hamstring muscle activity, a decline in knee
Table 1, Graph 1 and Graph 2 demonstrate that total joint angle, also demonstrating slight increases in the
number of participants in this study is 20, the mean quality of pistol squat and significant changes in ordi-
muscle activity of the pre- and post-test variables are nal scale values from the pre- to post-test. Significant
728.44 and 735.33, and the mean of decline for the pre- changes in scores from ‘very poor’ to ‘poor’, ‘poor’ to
and post-test variables are 71.15 and 76.7, respectively. ‘normal’, and ‘normal’ to ‘optimal’ were noted for the
Table 2 shows that there is a significant change in ordinal scores.
muscle activity (significant increase) and decline angle The pistol squat also belongs to closed-chain activi-
(significant increase) from the pre- to post-test. ties. It is very difficult to perform, but in this study, all the

Table 3:
Assessment of changes in qualitative parameters (ordinal scale) over study period

Poor Post Chi-square Total


Normal Optimal
Very poor 7 0 0
Pre Poor 1 2 0 22.07 0.001
Normal 1 1 8

Test: Chi-square test


Inference: There is a significant change in ordinal scale value from pre- to post-test values. Significant changes in the scores from ‘very
poor’ to ‘poor’, ‘poor’ to ‘normal’, and ‘normal’ to ‘optimal’ ordinal scores.

Graph 1: Graph 2:

16 Antropomotoryka
Influence of Pistol Squat on Decline...i

participants achieved the optimal decline angle in order trolling flexion at the hips. Rising up out of the squat,
to improve hamstring muscle flexibility and prevent ham- the hamstrings contract and work against resistance to
string amnesia. extend the hips.
Benefits of performing the pistol squat are isolation
of each leg for balancing to prevent strength deficits with Conclusions
more muscle recruitment of the lower limb. This allows
to improve the posterior chain strength and increase In this study, the squatting activity had significant effects
general flexibility as well as mobility along the posterior on flexibility of the hamstrings and increased muscle ac-
chain with increases in ankle joint mobility and flexibility. tivity, achieving the optimal knee joint decline angle in the
Furthermore, strengthening of stabilising muscles in the healthy population.
leg is improved, as well as proprioception though the leg In this trial, pistol squats were mostly performed us-
and core. ing the dominant leg, but in the pre-test, the non-domi-
The inhibitory effect of one group of muscles on the nant leg also demonstrated muscle activity.
others around the hip and knee joint during the pistol
squatting activity increases the test value variable. The Recommendations
possible inhibitory effect is reciprocal inhibition which
comes into action when 2 opposing groups of muscles  In a healthy population, where tightness is a common
have to work in synchrony with each other to produce factor because of a sedentary lifestyle, the pistol squat
a smooth coordinate movement. activity can be recommended to maintain flexibility.
The quadriceps muscle is in repeated contraction,  Future research can be carried out to compare the
synchronised with the hamstring muscle when the knee kinematics and lower limb muscle activity of both the
flexes and extends during squatting activity. dominant and non-dominant sides.
Squats require movement of the hips, knees and  The electromyography of all individual thigh and leg
ankles, forming a compound exercise that requires in- muscles can be concentrated.
volvement of numerous muscles. Although the ham-  The study was focussed only on the decline angle of
strings are commonly associated with knee flexion, the knee joint, which does not cover the remaining
they assist hip extension during the squat. Hamstrings angles such as shank and quadriceps angle.
are responsible for handling a large percentage of the  Awareness can be created to prevent musculoskel-
load on the hips. Their weakness can limit squat per- etal disorders.
formance and put the subject at risk of injury in the
knee joints. Limitations
Hamstrings are active throughout a squat, controlling
speed on the way down and helping to come back up.  The study is limited because of the healthy female
population.
Hamstring involvement  The study can also be carried out among different
The hamstrings comprise 3 muscles, including the bi- sports populations.
ceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus,  The surface electromyography method was limited
which run down the back of the upper thighs. The ham- to the superficial muscles.
strings originate at the back of the pelvis and travel down  The study is limited because of motion analysis.
the leg, where they then insert at the top of the tibia and  The study is limited to concentrate other compo-
fibula, located in the lower leg. Because the hamstrings nents of the pistol squat such as non-stance limb
cross both the hips and knees, they are able to contrib- electromyography and hamstring muscle activity.
ute to movements in both joints. As one lowers into the  The study is not focused on the horizontal plane pis-
squat, the hamstrings assist the gluteal muscles by con- tol squat.

Institutional Review Board Statement


The research was approved by the Institutional Ethics Commitee Discuseed at SRM College of Physiotherapy,
SRMIST (No. 1909/2020).

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences 17


Madeshwaran Elumalai, Jothi Prasanna

References:
[1] Purdam CR, Johnsson P, Alfredson H, Lorentzon R, Cook JL, Khan KM: A pilot study of the eccentric decline squat in the
management of painful chronic patellar tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2003;38(4):395–397.
[2] Khan KM, Maffulli N, Coleman BD, Cook JL, Taunton E: Patellar tendinopathy: some basic aspects of basic science and
clinical management. Br J Sports Med. 1998;32(4):346–355.
[3] Richards J, Selfe J, Sinclair J, May K, Thomas G: The Effect of Different Decline Angles on the biomechanics of Double Limb
Squats and the Implications to Clinical and Training Practice. Journal of Human Kinetics. 2016;52:125-138.
[4] Mendhe K, Dhote P, Pathak R, Dhankar S: Effect of single leg squatting on sit and reach test in normal individuals. MedPulse
International Journal of Physiotherapy. 2017;3(1): 01-04. https://www.medpulse.in/Physiotherapy/.
[5] Zwerver J, Bredeweg SW, Hof AL: Biomechanical analysis of the single-leg decline squat. Br J Sports Med. 2007
Apr;41(4):264-8; discussion 268. DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.032482.
[6] Richards J, Thewlis D, Selfe J, Cunningham A, Hayes C: A biomechanical investigation of a single-limb squat: implications
for lower extremity rehabilitation exercise. J Athl Train. 2008;43(5):477-482. DOI:10.4085/1062-6050-43.5.477
[7] Horan SA, Watson SL, Carty CP, Sartori M, Weeks BK: Lower-limb kinematics of single-leg squat performance in young
adults. Physiother Can. 2014 Summer;66(3):228-33. DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2013-09.
[8] Khan KM, Maffulli N, Coleman BD, Cook JL, Taunton JE: Patellar tendinopathy: some aspects of basic science and clinical
management. Br J Sports Med. 1998;32(4):346-355. DOI:10.1136/bjsm.32.4.346
[9] Fitzgerald GK: Open versus closed kinetic chain exercise: issues in rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruc-
tive surgery. Physical therapy. 1997 Dec 1;77(12):1747-54.
[10] Eliassen W, Saeterbakken AH, van den Tillaar R: COMPARISON OF BILATERAL AND UNILATERAL SQUAT EXERCISES ON
BARBELL KINEMATICS AND MUSCLE ACTIVATION. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018;13(5):871-881.
[11] Marateb HR, McGill KC, Holobar A, Lateva ZC, Mansourian M, Merletti R: Accuracy assessment of CKC high-density surface
EMG decomposition in biceps femoris muscle. J Neural Eng. 2011 Dec;8(6):066002. DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/8/6/066002.
[12] Richards J, Selfe J, Sinclair J, May K, Thomas G: The effect of different decline angles on the biomechanics of double limb
squats and the implications to clinical and training practice. J Hum Kinet. 2016;52:125-138. DOI:10.1515/hukin-2015-0200
[13] Khuu A, Foch E, Lewis CL: NOT ALL SINGLE LEG SQUATS ARE EQUAL: A BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISON OF THREE VARIA-
TIONS. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Apr;11(2):201-11.
[14] Dawson SJ, Herrington L: Improving Single-Legged-Squat Performance: Comparing 2 Training Methods With Potential
Implications for Injury Prevention. J Athl Train. 2015 Sep;50(9):921-9. DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-50.9.03.
[15] Valle X, L Tol J, Hamilton B, Rodas G, Malliaras P, Malliaropoulos N, et al: Hamstring Muscle Injuries, a Rehabilitation Protocol
Purpose. Asian J Sports Med. 2015;6(4):e25411. doi:10.5812/asjsm.25411
[16] Weeks BK, Carty CP, Horan SA: Kinematic predictors of single-leg squat performance: a comparison of experienced physio-
therapists and student physiotherapists. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2012 Oct 25;13:207. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-207.
[17] Dionisio VC, Azevedo BMS, Siqueira DA: Horizontal and Declined Squats in Healthy Individuals: A Study of Kinematic and
Muscle Patterns. International Scholarly Research Notices 2013;2013 (Article ID 169808):1-8. DOI: 10.1155/2013/169808.
[18] Abián P, Martínez F, Jiménez F, Abián-Vicén J: Effects of Eccentric Single-Leg Decline Squat Exercise on the Morpho-
logical and Structural Properties of the Vastus Lateralis and Patellar Tendon. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec
15;17(24):9410. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249410.
[19] Gianola S, Castellini G, Stucovitz E, Nardo A, Banfi G. Single leg squat performance in physically and non-physically active
individuals: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2017 Jul 14;18(1):299. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1660-8.

Author for Correspondence


Madeshwaran Elumalai
ORCID:0000-0002-7278-8824
Email: ptmadeshi7@gmail.com
Affiliation: SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Institute

18 Antropomotoryka
Influence of Pistol Squat on Decline...i

APPENDIX I
MASTER CHART

PRE-TEST

Hamstring muscle activity (surface EMG)


S. No. Decline angle or knee rom Ordinal scale
MUAP-AREA
1 498.35uv.ms 59 1
2 534.63uv.ms 60 1
3 434.96uv.ms 64 1
4 543.89uv.ms 63 1
5 555.73uv.ms 78 3
6 633.12uv.ms 82 3
7 555.94uv.ms 81 3
8 785.51uv.ms 76 3
9 432.93uv.ms 68 2
10 639.98uv.ms 80 3
11 756.23uv.ms 78 3
12 596.66uv.ms 64 1
13 856.48uv.ms 63 1
14 786.54uv.ms 75 3
15 369.18uv.ms 61 1
16 936.33uv.ms 67 2
17 1154.84uv.ms 77 3
18 1289.36uv.ms 76 3
19 863.23uv.ms 67 2
20 1345uv. ms 84 3

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences 19


Madeshwaran Elumalai, Jothi Prasanna

POST-TEST:

S. No Muscle activity MUAP-AREA Decline angle or knee rom Ordinal scale


1 506.43uv.ms 65 2
2 540.12uv.ms 66 2
3 439.96uv.ms 68 2
4 548.82uv.ms 70 2
5 561.32uv.ms 85 4
6 638.52uv.ms 87 4
7 600.80uv.ms 86 4
8 789.42uv.ms 79 3
9 438.23uv.ms 75 3
10 646.12uv.ms 86 4
11 759.33uv.ms 85 4
12 599.80uv.ms 70 2
13 860.54uv.ms 66 2
14 790.36uv.ms 69 2
15 373.43uv.ms 65 2
16 942.89uv.ms 80 3
17 1159.68uv.ms 85 4
18 1292.43uv.ms 86 4
19 869.22uv.ms 71 2
20 1349.16uv.ms 90 4

Ordinal scale scoring:

Degrees Ordinal score

55-60 1 (very poor)

65-70 2 (poor)

75-80 3 (normal)

85-90 4 (optimal)

95-100 5 (good)

20 Antropomotoryka

You might also like