CHANGE IN JOINT KINEMATICS AND CENTRE OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION DURING BARBELL SQUAT PERFORMANCE UNDER BAREFOOT AND SHOD CONDITION

Z. Azeem¹, H. Patel², D. Sukhadia², M. Sutariya²

Background: Barefoot training has received a lot of attention in the scientific research and is seen as a futuristic model of training for improving sports and exercise performance. Shoe based resistance training is a regular practice in most of the facilities though the effectiveness of shoe in maintaining a good alignment is lacking.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare the kinematic differences and change in the center of pressure distribution during barbell back squat under shod and barefoot condition.

Methods: A total  of  30 participants aged between 18-25 years participated  in our experimental study with convenient sampling. Following random allocation to barefoot and shod conditions, 1 repetition maximum testing was performed to calculate the resistance lifting weight of every participant. Kinematic and Centre of pressure distribution was computed using Zebris force plates. Kinovea software Version 0.8.5 was used to analyse the kinematic differences. 

Results: Results depicted non significant differences for kinematic variables and Centre of pressure (CoP) distribution between barefoot and shod conditions implicating performing barefoot squat did not change the joint kinematics. There was statistical difference on kinematic variables for the participants of barefoot group implicating the individual variations in joint kinematic patters of hip, knee and ankle joints. 

Conclusion(s): Squat performance was not affected with barefoot based- resistance training when compared against shod based training on joint kinematics and Centre of Pressure (CoP) distribution. 

Implications: Effects of barefoot training on influencing joint kinematics are extensively reported in the literature. However, its clinical implications on influencing Centre of pressure distribution may imply screening patients with various foot pathologies including overuse phenomenons like Pes cavus, hyperpronated foot. Bridging the gap between biomedical and biophysical model of clinical decison making for injury prevention and care can be plausible implication in musculoskeletal injury and care. 

Funding, acknowledgements: None

Keywords: Barbell back squat, Joint kinematics, Center of pressure

Topic: Sport & sports injuries

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy, Charusat

Committee: Ashok & Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy

Ethics number: ARIP/SRC/17/01