Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Dave Relling

Abstract

Background: Knee injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, often linked to weakness or imbalance in the quadriceps and gluteal muscles. Squat variations are frequently prescribed in rehabilitation to strengthen these muscle groups and enhance knee and hip stability. The Spanish squat (SS) has shown to be effective for increasing quadriceps activation while reducing joint stress. However, limited research has examined how different stance widths during Spanish squats may effect lower extremity muscle activation.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare surface electromyography (EMG) activity of selected lower extremity muscles during Spanish squat variations (narrow, shoulder-width, and wide stances) and a standard squat to determine whether stance width influences muscle activation patterns.

Methods: Ten healthy adults (6 male, 4 female) participated in a single testing session. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the dominant leg over the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), semitendinosus (ST), gluteus medius (GMed), and gluteus maximus (GMax). Participants performed five repetitions each of a standard squat and three Spanish squat variations (narrow, shoulder-width, and wide) to 90° knee flexion, with randomized order and standardized tempo. Mean EMG amplitudes were analyzed for each condition.

Results: EMG data revealed that all three Spanish squat variations elicited greater activation of the GMax, GMed, and RF compared to the standard squat. The narrow Spanish squat produced the highest mean EMG activity for GMax (99.6%), GMed (100.7%), and RF (84.6%). The elevated EMG activity was significant for the GMed in the narrow stance Spanish squat. No meaningful differences were observed in VMO or ST activity across squat types.

Discussion: These findings suggest that Spanish squat variations, particularly the narrow stance, significantly increase activation of the gluteus medius muscle and enhance activation of the GMax and rectus femoris muscles compared to a standard squat. Increased gluteal and quadriceps engagement supports the potential use of Spanish squat variations in rehabilitation protocols aimed at improving hip and knee stability or addressing muscle imbalances. Conclusion: Spanish squat variations enhance activation of key hip and thigh muscles, making them a valuable modification for strengthening and rehabilitation programs. Clinicians may consider incorporating stance width variations, especially the narrow stance, to optimize lower extremity muscle recruitment and potentially reduce injury risk. Further research with larger samples is warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate clinical outcomes.

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