Title
Comparing Leg Press Machines to a Traditional Squat
Date
5-31-2018 8:00 AM
End Time
31-5-2018 10:00 AM
Location
WUC Summit Room
Session Chair
Tom Kelly
Session Chair
Jennifer Taylor-Winney
Session Title
Health and Exercise Science poster Session
Presentation Type
Poster session
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Brian Caster
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare leg press machines to a traditional squat in relation to joint angles, range of motion, as well as how each may translate to the “real world”. For this comparison, four Western Oregon University students ages 20-25 were used. In each participants trials, they achieved greater range of motion at the knee while performing a squat than by using either of the two machines. One cause is the position one must sit to use a leg press; the knees meet the chest as the seating position put each of the participants in an average of 90.66 degree flexion at the hip. This resulted in the participant's knees meeting their chest causing a greatly decreased range of motion. In response to this, the participants naturally spread their knees outward, compromising proper joint alignment. The results here suggest that machine based exercises do not offer a complete approach to fitness. It is the opinion of the author that machine based exercises should be limited to those who are in some way compromised. Given that the leg press removes the need to stabilize the limbs or the weight, those who suffer from an injury or another form of inability would benefit.
Recommended Citation
Rhyno, Travis, "Comparing Leg Press Machines to a Traditional Squat" (2018). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 122.
https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2018/all/122
Comparing Leg Press Machines to a Traditional Squat
WUC Summit Room
The purpose of this study is to compare leg press machines to a traditional squat in relation to joint angles, range of motion, as well as how each may translate to the “real world”. For this comparison, four Western Oregon University students ages 20-25 were used. In each participants trials, they achieved greater range of motion at the knee while performing a squat than by using either of the two machines. One cause is the position one must sit to use a leg press; the knees meet the chest as the seating position put each of the participants in an average of 90.66 degree flexion at the hip. This resulted in the participant's knees meeting their chest causing a greatly decreased range of motion. In response to this, the participants naturally spread their knees outward, compromising proper joint alignment. The results here suggest that machine based exercises do not offer a complete approach to fitness. It is the opinion of the author that machine based exercises should be limited to those who are in some way compromised. Given that the leg press removes the need to stabilize the limbs or the weight, those who suffer from an injury or another form of inability would benefit.