Is there a relationship between back squat depth, ankle flexibility, and Achilles tendon stiffness?

Study Participants and Methods

• Participants: 20 healthy adults

• Measurements:

  • Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (ROM): Measured by the Weight-bearing Lunge Test.

  • Back Squat Depth: Measured by the hip-to-knee angle.

  • Achilles Tendon Stiffness: Measured using an ultrasound diagnostic device.

• Procedure:

  • Each participant performed a squat to their maximum possible depth.

  • Correlation between ankle mobility and squat depth was analyzed.

In conclusion, more flexible ankles are associated with the ability to achieve a deeper squat posture, and the tendon stiffness tends to be lower.

Conclusion 🧠

• Ankle mobility serves as a critical determinant of deep squat depth.

• Specifically, limited ankle dorsiflexion can make it difficult to achieve a deep squat posture (or full deep squat/full deep kneeling).

• Note: Since this is an observational study, a definitive causal relationship cannot be established, and other factors such as muscle strength and hip flexibility must also be considered.

Is there a relationship between back squat depth, ankle flexibility, and Achilles tendon stiffness?

(Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020)

PubMed ID: 32022631