Theraband® CLX gold reduces knee-width index but increases gluteus medius activity during the barbell back squat

Vardy, Leah (2020) Theraband® CLX gold reduces knee-width index but increases gluteus medius activity during the barbell back squat. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Squatting with resistance bands around the distal portion of the thighs above the patella have grown in popularity. They have been thought to act as a proprioceptive aid by activating the gluteus muscles and therefore, preventing medial knee collapse. The objectives of this thesis were: 1) to determine how the resistance bands would affect lower body muscle activation and 2) to examine how the kinematics of the squat (i.e., knee width index (KWI) and knee angle) may change with the addition of the resistance bands. Twenty-three resistance trained individuals (twelve males and eleven females) completed one set of three repetitions of the barbell back squat (BBS) at 87% of their 1 repetition maximum (RM). This protocol was completed under four conditions; no band, a red band, black band and gold band in a randomized order. A significant difference in the gluteus medius (GME) was found in the gold band condition compared to all other conditions. The KWI was significantly lower with the gold band in comparison to the no band and red band conditions. Overall, males had significantly higher KWI values in comparison to their female counterparts in the band conditions. While placing a gold band may increase the muscle activation of the GME during the squat, the lower KWI values may lead to an increase in knee injuries.

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