The Effect of Foot Position on Center of Foot Pressure during Squatting in Female Athletes
Faculty Sponsor
Bethany Luke
College
Engineering
Discipline(s)
Biomechanical Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
4-27-2023
Abstract
Squatting can be an effective exercise to strengthen lower body muscles but must be completed with proper form to prevent injury and optimize benefits. While squatting, the center of pressure of the foot impacts a person’s center of mass, which is integral to the quality of a squat. The location of the center of pressure on the foot can affect knee joint stresses, which impact injury risk and the efficiency of the squat. Current literature lacks information on the foot center of pressure in females while squatting in various foot positions. Studying the center of foot pressure in female squatters would determine if certain squat stances are safer than others. In this study, the location of the peak center of foot pressure in two females for three squatting stances is measured. Foot positions with feet pointed forward, slightly outward, and slightly inward are analyzed. The positions of the center of pressure are normalized for all subjects and a coordinate system is defined to make the measurements consistent for all subjects. Tekscan Strideway Gait Analysis System is used to record foot pressure during squatting. Statistical analysis will be used to determine if altering foot position causes significant changes in the center of pressure on the foot.
Recommended Citation
Wolok, Adelina; Luke, Bethany; and Krazl, Kelly Alice, "The Effect of Foot Position on Center of Foot Pressure during Squatting in Female Athletes" (2023). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1214.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1214
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Adelina Wolok is a Junior biomechanical engineering student. She began biomechanics research sophomore year and decided to continue the research. Adelina is passionate about her biomechanics research on squatting because she is a powerlifter. For the research, she uses her knowledge of proper squatting form and mechanics to design an experiment that is safe for subjects and insightful. Adelina is interested in prosthetics and hopes to work in this field. Kelly Alice Krazl is a Sophmore Mechanical engineering student. Kelly Alice chose biomechanics research because she believes the human body is one of the most complex systems to understand. Kelly Alice wants to find ways to optimize the body for all people of all skill sets.