Kinematic and kinetic differences in the barbell squat wearing two different types of shoes

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the squat kinematics and kinetics while wearing two different types of footwear. Ten men that compete at a collegiate level of powerlifting participated in the study. The participants performed the squat in both Chuck Taylor (flat soled) and Adidas (raised heel) shoes 3 times per shoe at 80% of 1 RM. During the testing sessions, sagittal plane kinematics of the shank were measured using 2-D video analysis. A force plate was used to measure the ground reaction forces of the right foot. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the medial lateral ground reaction forces (raised heel 63.58 N, flat soled 65.79 N), or the shank angles (raised heel 67.4 degrees, flat soled 65.7 degrees) of the participants. In conclusion, the participants were able to accommodate for a 1 inch raised heel in their shoe without altering shank position of medial-lateral ground reaction forces.School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise ScienceThesis (M.S.