The purpose of our project is to compare the kinematics of the lower body on the Hammer Strength Hack Squat (H-squat) and the standard squat. We are looking to see which exercise offers a better range of motion and this is a better exercise for the lower body. Torque was also looked at to see its effects on the body. This is an important problem because the H-squat limits some joint motions that are present in the standard squat which may be counterproductive towards the goal of the exercise. Range of motion and isolation of desired muscle groups are important factors in strength conditioning and limiting the risk of injury. The H-squat is designed to isolate muscle groups, which is good for rehabilitation. But the H-squat limits degrees of freedom at other joints, which is bad for strength training.
The purpose of this research was to determine which exercise isolated the lower extremity and maintained a safer range of motion. Coordination of joint motion also is important to consider. Our group, all three members being athletic trainers, consider this important because we frequently work with injuries of the lower body. It is also common that the rehabilitation programs of these injuries include exercises to improve both strength and range of motion.