Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics (한국운동역학회지)

Korean Society of Applied Biomechanics (한국운동역학회)
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The Effects of Sex and Foot External Rotation on Lower Extremity Joint Angles and Pelvic Movement During Overhead Deep Squat

오버헤드 딥 스쿼트 시 성별과 발의 외회전이 하지 관절들의 각도와 골반의 움직임에 미치는 영향

  • Jae-Woo Lee (Sports Convergence Institute, Konkuk University) ;
  • Moon-Seok Kwon (Sports Convergence Institute, Konkuk University)
  • Received : 2025.08.04
  • Accepted : 2025.08.23
  • Published : 2025.09.30
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Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of sex and foot external rotation on lower extremity joint angles and pelvic movement during overhead deep squat (OHDS). Method: Forty-one resistance-trained adults (21 males, 20 females) performed overhead deep squats (OHDS) using two foot positions: Closed Foot Position (CFP, parallel) and Opened Foot Position (OFP, 15° external rotation). Kinematic data were collected using an 8-camera Vicon motion capture system (250 Hz), and maximal joint angles were analyzed using two-way mixed-design ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment (t αadj. = .025). All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 27 (Armonk, NY, USA). Results: During the OHDS, foot external rotation significantly increased both knee and hip flexion angles in male and female participants, contributing to greater squat depth. Female participants showed significantly higher maximal knee abduction angles compared to males across both conditions; however, OFP effectively reduced this knee abduction and excessive pelvic anterior tilt. In males, OFP notably decreased ankle inversion. Across both sexes, OFP led to significantly greater hip abduction and external rotation angles. Conclusion: Foot external rotation strategy effectively improves OHDS performance and reduces injury risk factors, particularly in females. The OFP condition decreased dynamic knee valgus and excessive pelvic tilt in women, suggesting its potential as an injury prevention strategy for individualized training protocols. These results suggest that modifying foot positioning-when applied with consideration of sex-specific biomechanical differences-could optimize OHDS performance while concurrently improving joint alignment and reducing injury susceptibility, making it a valuable strategy for coaches, clinicians, and athletes in resistance training programs.

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References

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