Characterization of Thigh and Shank Segment Angular Velocity During Jump Landing Tasks Commonly Used to Evaluate Risk for ACL Injury

The dynamic movements associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during jump landing suggest that limb segment angular velocity can provide important information for understanding the conditions that lead to an injury. Angular velocity measures could provide a quick and simple method of assessing injury risk without the constraints of a laboratory. The objective of this study was to assess the inter-subject variations and the sensitivity of the thigh and shank segment angular velocity in order to determine if these measures could be used to characterize jump landing mechanisms. Additionally, this study tested the correlation between angular velocity and the knee abduction moment. Thirty-six healthy participants (18 male) performed drop jumps with bilateral and unilateral landing. Thigh and shank angular velocities were measured by a wearable inertial-based system, and external knee moments were measured using a marker-based system. Discrete parameters were extracted from the data and compared between systems. For both jumping tasks, the angular velocity curves were well defined movement patterns with high inter-subject similarity in the sagittal plane and moderate to good similarity in the coronal and transverse planes. The angular velocity parameters were also able to detect differences between the two jumping tasks that were consistent across subjects. Furthermore, the coronal angular velocities were significantly correlated with the knee abduction moment (R of 0.28-0.51), which is a strong indicator of ACL injury risk. This study suggested that the thigh and shank angular velocities, which describe the angular dynamics of the movement, should be considered in future studies about ACL injury mechanisms.     

Measurement of in vivo anterior cruciate ligament strain during dynamic jump landing

Despite recent attention in the literature, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury mechanisms are controversial and incidence rates remain high. One explanation is limited data on in vivo ACL strain during high-risk, dynamic movements. The objective of this study was to quantify ACL strain during jump landing. Marker-based motion analysis techniques were integrated with fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques to measure dynamic ACL strain non-invasively. First, eight subjects' knees were imaged using MR. From these images, the cortical bone and ACL attachment sites of the tibia and femur were outlined to create 3D models. Subjects underwent motion analysis while jump landing using reflective markers placed directly on the skin around the knee. Next, biplanar fluoroscopic images were taken with the markers in place so that the relative positions of each marker to the underlying bone could be quantified. Numerical optimization allowed jumping kinematics to be superimposed on the knee model, thus reproducing the dynamic in vivo joint motion. ACL length, knee flexion, and ground reaction force were measured. During jump landing, average ACL strain peaked 55±14 ms (mean and 95% confidence interval) prior to ground impact, when knee flexion angles were lowest. The peak ACL strain, measured relative to its length during MR imaging, was 12±7%. The observed trends were consistent with previously described neuromuscular patterns. Unrestricted by field of view or low sampling rate, this novel approach provides a means to measure kinematic patterns that elevate ACL strains and that provide new insights into ACL injury mechanisms.     

The correlation of segment accelerations and impact forces with knee angle in jump landing

Impact forces and shock deceleration during jumping and running have been associated with various knee injury etiologies. This study investigates the influence of jump height and knee contact angle on peak ground reaction force and segment axial accelerations. Ground reaction force, segment axial acceleration, and knee angles were measured for 6 male subjects during vertical jumping. A simple spring-mass model is used to predict the landing stiffness at impact as a function of (1) jump height, (2) peak impact force, (3) peak tibial axial acceleration, (4) peak thigh axial acceleration, and (5) peak trunk axial acceleration. Using a nonlinear least square fit, a strong (r = 0.86) and significant (p < or = 0.05) correlation was found between knee contact angle and stiffness calculated using the peak impact force and jump height. The same model also showed that the correlation was strong (r = 0.81) and significant (p < or = 0.05) between knee contact angle and stiffness calculated from the peak trunk axial accelerations. The correlation was weaker for the peak thigh (r = 0.71) and tibial (r = 0.45) axial accelerations. Using the peak force but neglecting jump height in the model, produces significantly worse correlation (r = 0.58). It was concluded that knee contact angle significantly influences both peak ground reaction forces and segment accelerations. However, owing to the nonlinear relationship, peak forces and segment accelerations change more rapidly at smaller knee flexion angles (i.e., close to full extension) than at greater knee flexion angles.     

Knee moments during run-to-cut maneuvers are associated with lateral trunk positioning

Non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries account for approximately 70% of ACL ruptures and often occur during a sudden change in direction or pivot. Decreased neuromuscular control of the trunk in a controlled perturbation task has previously been associated with ACL injury incidence, while knee abduction moments and tibial internal rotation moments have been associated with ACL strain and ACL injury incidence. In this study, the association between movement of the trunk during a run-to-cut maneuver and loading of the knee during the same activity was investigated. External knee moments and trunk angles were quantified during a run-to-cut maneuver for 29 individuals. The trunk angles examined were outside tilt (frontal plane angle of the torso from vertical), angle between the ground reaction force (GRF) and the torso in the plane containing the GRF and shoulders (torso-GRF_shoulders); and angle between GRF and torso in the plane containing the GRF and pelvis (torso-GRF_pelvis). Significant positive associations were found between torso angles and peak knee abduction moments (outside tilt, p=0.002; and torso-GRF_shoulders, p=0.036) while a significant negative association was found between peak tibial internal rotation moment and outside tilt (p=0.021). Because the peaks of these moments occur at different times and minimal axial rotation moment is observed at peak knee abduction moment (-0.29±0.46%BW*ht), the positive association between peak knee abduction moment and torso lean suggests that increasing torso lean may increase ACL load and risk of injury.     

Modifying spike jump landing biomechanics in female adolescent volleyball athletes using video and verbal feedback

Landing awkwardly from a jump is a common mechanism of injury for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. Augmented feedback, such as verbal or visual instruction, has been shown to cause an immediate, positive change in landing biomechanics in a laboratory setting. No data exist on the longer term effects of feedback on jump landing biomechanics in a sports-specific setting. The purpose of this study was to explore whether providing video and verbal feedback to adolescent (12-14 years old) female volleyball athletes would improve their landing technique. Trunk and lower extremity kinematic variables were measured in 19 participants before a feedback session was provided to the intervention group (IG). Follow-up kinematic measurements of the IG were taken immediately postintervention, and again after 2 and 4 weeks. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the IG with a control group (CG), who received no feedback. The IG (n = 10) demonstrated increased maximal hip and trunk flexion compared with the CG (n = 9) at week 4 (p ≤ 0.05). One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine if changes were evident within the IG over time. Ankle dorsiflexion, right knee and hip flexion, and trunk flexion changed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) over the 4-week period. Augmented feedback appeared to produce a positive change in landing biomechanics in adolescent female volleyball athletes performing a sports-specific skill. Courtside video and verbal feedback may present a relatively simple, cost-effective method of introducing one component of a comprehensive ACL injury prevention program at a young age.     

Hip and knee joint kinematics during a diagonal jump landing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed females

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common injury encountered by sport medicine clinicians. Surgical reconstruction is the recommended treatment of choice for those athletes wishing to return to full-contact sports participation and for sports requiring multi-directional movement patterns. The aim of ACL reconstruction is to restore knee joint mechanical stability such that the athlete can return to sporting participation. However, knowledge regarding the extent to which lower limb kinematic profiles are restored following ACL reconstruction is limited. In the present study the hip and knee joint kinematic profiles of 13 ACL reconstructed (ACL-R) and 16 non-injured control subjects were investigated during the performance of a diagonal jump landing task. The ACL-R group exhibited significantly less peak knee joint flexion (P=0.01). Significant between group differences were noted for time averaged hip joint sagittal plane (P<0.05) and transverse plane (P<0.05) kinematic profiles, as well as knee joint frontal plane (P<0.05) and sagittal plane (P<0.05) kinematic profiles. These results suggest that aberrant hip and knee joint kinematic profiles are present following ACL reconstruction, which could influence future injury risk.     

The effect of short-term resistance training on hip and knee kinematics during vertical drop jumps

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a weight-bearing free weight resistance training program alone on knee flexion, hip flexion, and knee valgus during unilateral and bilateral drop jump tasks. Twenty-nine young adult females with previous athletic experience were randomly divided into a control (n = 16) and a resistance training (n = 13) groups. The resistance training group completed 8 weeks of lower extremity, weight-bearing exercises using free weights, whereas the control group did not train. A pre- and posttest was conducted to measure knee valgus, knee flexion, and hip flexion during unilateral (30 cm) and bilateral (60 cm) vertical drop jumps for maximum height. Joint angles were determined using 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking sensors (MotionMonitor; Innovative Sports Training, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Initial training intensity for the bilateral squat was 50% of the subject's 1 repetition maximum (RM), which increased 5% each week to 85% during the final week. Sets and repetitions ranged from 2 to 4 and from 4 to 12, respectively. The training loads for all other exercises (lunge, step-up, unilateral squat, and Romanian deadlift) increased from 15RM to 6RM from the initial to the final week. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine differences in the hip and knee joint angles. No significant differences for knee valgus and hip flexion measures were found between the groups after training; however, knee flexion angle significantly increased in the training group from the pretest (77.2 ± 4.1°) to posttest (83.2 ± 3.7°) during the bilateral drop jump. No significant changes occurred during the unilateral drop jump. Bilateral measures for knee flexion, hip flexion, and knee valgus were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than the unilateral measures during the drop jump task, which indicate an increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during unilateral drop jumps. The data support that the strength and conditioning specialist can implement resistance training alone during a short-term training period to reduce the risk of ACL injury by increasing knee flexion during a bilateral drop jump task. Increased knee flexion angles after resistance training may indicate a reduced risk for knee injury from improved neuromuscular control, resulting in a softer landing.     

Effects of fatigue on lower limb,pelvis and trunk kinematics and muscle activation: Gender differences

Background: Muscle fatigue is associated with biomechanical changes that may lead to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Alterations in trunk and pelvis kinematics may also be involved in ACL injury. Although some studies have compared the effects of muscle fatigue on lower limb kinematics between men and women, little is known about its effects on pelvis and trunk kinematics. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of fatigue on lower limb, pelvis and trunk kinematics and muscle activation between men and women during landing. Methods: The participants included forty healthy subjects. We performed kinematic analysis of the trunk, pelvis, hip and knee and muscle activation analysis of the gluteal muscles, vastus lateralis and biceps femoris, during a single-leg landing before and after fatigue. Results: Men had greater trunk flexion than women after fatigue. After fatigue, a decrease in peak knee flexion and an increase in Gmax and BF activation were observed. Conclusion: The increase in the trunk flexion can decrease the anterior tibiofemoral shear force resulted from the lower knee flexion angle, thereby decreasing the stress on the ACL.     

Analysis of Jumping-Landing Manoeuvers after Different Speed Performances in Soccer Players

PurposeRunning at high speed and sudden change in direction or activity stresses the knee. Surprisingly, not many studies have investigated the effects of sprinting on knee’s kinetics and kinematics of soccer players. Hence, this study is aimed to investigate indices of injury risk factors of jumping-landing maneuvers performed immediately after sprinting in male soccer players.MethodsTwenty-three collegiate male soccer players (22.1±1.7 years) were tested in four conditions; vertical jump (VJ), vertical jump immediately after slow running (VJSR), vertical jump immediately after sprinting (VJFR) and double horizontal jump immediately after sprinting (HJFR). The kinematics and kinetics data were measured using Vicon motion analyzer (100Hz) and two Kistler force platforms (1000Hz), respectively.ResultsFor knee flexion joint angle, (p = 0.014, η = 0.15) and knee valgus moment (p = 0.001, η = 0.71) differences between condition in the landing phase were found. For knee valgus joint angle, a main effect between legs in the jumping phase was found (p = 0.006, η = 0.31), which suggests bilateral deficit existed between the right and left lower limbs.ConclusionIn brief, the important findings were greater knee valgus moment and less knee flexion joint angle proceeding sprint (HJFR & VJFR) rather than no sprint condition (VJ) present an increased risk for knee injuries. These results seem to suggest that running and sudden subsequent jumping-landing activity experienced during playing soccer may negatively change the knee valgus moment. Thus, sprinting preceding a jump task may increase knee risk factors such as moment and knee flexion joint angle.     

Elevated gastrocnemius forces compensate for decreased hamstrings forces during the weight-acceptance phase of single-leg jump landing: implications for anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Approximately 320,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the United States each year are non-contact injuries, with many occurring during a single-leg jump landing. To reduce ACL injury risk, one option is to improve muscle strength and/or the activation of muscles crossing the knee under elevated external loading. This study?s purpose was to characterize the relative force production of the muscles supporting the knee during the weight-acceptance (WA) phase of single-leg jump landing and investigate the gastrocnemii forces compared to the hamstrings forces. Amateur male Western Australian Rules Football players completed a single-leg jump landing protocol and six participants were randomly chosen for further modeling and simulation. A three-dimensional, 14-segment, 37 degree-of-freedom, 92 muscle-tendon actuated model was created for each participant in OpenSim. Computed muscle control was used to generate 12 muscle-driven simulations, 2 trials per participant, of the WA phase of single-leg jump landing. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc analysis showed both the quadriceps and gastrocnemii muscle force estimates were significantly greater than the hamstrings (p<0.001). Elevated gastrocnemii forces corresponded with increased joint compression and lower ACL forces. The elevated quadriceps and gastrocnemii forces during landing may represent a generalized muscle strategy to increase knee joint stiffness, protecting the knee and ACL from external knee loading and injury risk. These results contribute to our understanding of how muscle?s function during single-leg jump landing and should serve as the foundation for novel muscle-targeted training intervention programs aimed to reduce ACL injuries in sport.     

In vivo assessment of the interaction of patellar tendon tibial shaft angle and anterior cruciate ligament elongation during flexion

A potential cause of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is landing on an extended knee. In line with this hypothesis, studies have shown that the ACL is elongated with decreasing knee flexion angle. Furthermore, at low flexion angles the patellar tendon is oriented to increase the anterior shear component of force acting on the tibia. This indicates that knee extension represents a position in which the ACL is taut, and thus may have an increased propensity for injury, particularly in the presence of excessive force acting via the patellar tendon. However, there is very little in vivo data to describe how patellar tendon orientation and ACL elongation interact during flexion. Therefore, this study measured the patellar tendon tibial shaft angle (indicative of the relative magnitude of the shear component of force acting via the patellar tendon) and ACL length in vivo as subjects performed a quasi-static lunge at varying knee flexion angles. Spearman rho rank correlations within each individual revealed that flexion angles were inversely correlated to both ACL length (rho = −0.94 ± 0.07, mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.05) and patellar tendon tibial shaft angle (rho = −0.99 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that when the knee is extended, the ACL is both elongated and the patellar tendon tibial shaft angle is increased, resulting in a relative increase in anterior shear force on the tibia acting via the patellar tendon. Therefore, these data support the hypothesis that landing with the knee in extension is a high risk scenario for ACL injury.     

Alterations to movement mechanics can greatly reduce anterior cruciate ligament loading without reducing performance

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common and potentially debilitating sports injuries. Approximately 70% of ACL injuries occur without contact and are believed to be preventable. Jump stop movements are associated with many non-contact ACL injuries. It was hypothesized that an athlete performing a jump stop movement can reduce their peak tibial shear force (PTSF), a measure of ACL loading, without compromising performance, by modifying their knee flexion angle, shank angle, and foot contact location during landing. PTSF was calculated for fourteen female basketball players performing jump stops using their normal mechanics and mechanics modified to increase their knee flexion angle, decrease their shank angle relative to vertical and land more on their toes during landing. Every subject tested experienced drastic reductions in their PTSF (average reduction=56.4%) using modified movement mechanics. The athletes maintained or improved their jump height with the modified movement mechanics (an average increase in jump height of 2.5 cm). The hypothesis was supported: modifications to jump stop movement mechanics greatly reduced PTSF and therefore ACL loading without compromising performance. The results from this study identify crucial biomechanical quantities that athletes can easily modify to reduce ACL loading and therefore should be targeted in any physical activity training programs designed to reduce non-contact ACL injuries.     

The EMG activity and mechanics of the running jump as a function of takeoff angle.

To characterize the electromyographic (EMG) activity, ground reaction forces, and kinematics were used in the running jump with different takeoff angles. Two male long jumpers volunteered to perform running jumps at different approach speeds by varying the number of steps (from 3 to 9) in the run-up. Subject TM achieved a greater vertical velocity of the center of gravity (CG) at takeoff for all approach distances. This jumping strategy was associated with greater backward trunk lean at touchdown and takeoff, a lesser range of motion for the thigh during the support phase, more extended knee and ankle angles at touchdown, and a more flexed knee angle at takeoff. Accompanying these differences in kinematics, TM experienced greater braking impulses and lesser propulsion impulses for the forward-backward component of the ground reaction force. Furthermore, TM activated mainly the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, lateral gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior, while if rarely activated the biceps femoris from just before contact to roughly the first two-thirds of the support phase. These results indicate that TM used a greater takeoff angle in the running jump because he enabled and sustained a greater blocking effect via the coordination patterns of the muscles relative to the hip, knee, and ankle joints. These findings also suggest that the muscle activities recorded in the present experiment are reflected in kinematics and kinetics. Further, the possible influence of these muscle activities on joint movements in the takeoff leg, and their effect on the vertical and/or horizontal velocity of the jump are discussed.     

The effects of core muscle activation on dynamic trunk position and knee abduction moments: Implications for ACL injury

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common serious lower-extremity injuries experienced by athletes participating in field and court sports and often occurs during a sudden change in direction or pivot. Both lateral trunk positioning during cutting and peak external knee abduction moments have been associated with ACL injury risk, though it is not known how core muscle activation influences these variables. In this study, the association between core muscle pre-activation and trunk position as well as the association between core muscle pre-activation and peak knee abduction moment during an unanticipated run-to-cut maneuver were investigated in 46 uninjured individuals. Average co-contraction indices and percent differences between muscle pairs were calculated prior to initial contact for internal obliques, external obliques, and L5 extensors using surface electromyography. Outside tilt of the trunk was defined as positive when the trunk was angled away from the cutting direction. No significant associations were found between pre-activations of core muscles and outside tilt of the trunk. Greater average co-contraction index of the L5 extensors was associated with greater peak knee abduction moment (p=0.0107). Increased co-contraction of the L5 extensors before foot contact could influence peak knee abduction moment by stiffening the spine, limiting sagittal plane trunk flexion (a motion pattern previously linked to ACL injury risk) and upper body kinetic energy absorption by the core during weight acceptance.     

A feedback inclusive neuromuscular training program alters frontal plane kinematics

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) neuromuscular training programs have demonstrated beneficial effects in reducing ACL injuries, yet further evaluation of their effects on biomechanical measures across a sports team season is required to elucidate the specific factors that are modifiable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 10-week off-season neuromuscular training program on lower extremity kinematics. Twelve Division I female soccer players (age: 19.2 ± 0.8 years, height: 1.67 ± 0.1 m, weight: 60.2 ± 6.5 kg) performed unanticipated dynamic trials of a running stop-jump task pretraining and posttraining. Data collection was performed using an 8-camera Vicon system (Los Angeles, CA, USA) and 2 Bertec (Columbus, OH, USA) force plates. The 10-week training program consisted of resistance training 2 times per week and field training, consisting of plyometric, agility, and speed drills, 2 times per week. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to assess the differences between pretraining and posttraining kinetics and kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle at initial contact (IC), peak knee flexion (PKF), and peak stance. Repeated measures ANOVAs were also used to assess isometric strength differences pretraining and posttraining. The alpha level was set at 0.05 a priori. The training program demonstrated significant increases in left hip extension, left and right hip flexion, and right hip adduction isometric strength. At IC, knee abduction angle moved from an abducted to an adducted position (-1.48 ± 3.65° to 1.46 ± 3.86°, p = 0.007), and hip abduction angle increased (-6.05 ± 4.63° to -10.34 ± 6.83°, p = 0.007). Hip abduction angle at PKF increased (-2.23 ± 3.40° to 6.01 ± 3.82°, p = 0.002). The maximum knee extension moment achieved at peak stance increased from pretraining to posttraining (2.02 ± 0.32 to 2.38 ± 0.75 N·m·kg?1, p = 0.027). The neuromuscular training program demonstrated a potential positive effect in altering mechanics that influence the risk of incurring an ACL injury.     

A comparison between back squat exercise and vertical jump kinematics: implications for determining anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Women are up to eight times more likely than men to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and knee valgus is perhaps the most at-risk motion. Women have been shown to have more knee valgus than men in squatting movements and while landing. The purposes were to investigate whether a relationship exists between lower-extremity frontal plane motions in squatting and landing, whether gender differences exist, and whether squat or hip abduction strength relates to knee valgus while landing. Eleven collegiate Division III soccer players and 11 recreationally trained men were tested for maximal vertical jump height and for squat and hip abduction strength. On the second day of testing, subjects performed light (50% one repetition maximum) and heavy (85%) squat protocols and three landings from their maximal vertical jump height. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients and a 2 x 10 factorial analysis of variance with t-test post hoc comparisons (p 相似文献   

Effects of a knee extension constraint brace on selected lower extremity motion patterns during a stop-jump task

Small knee flexion angle during landing has been proposed as a potential risk factor for sustaining noncontact ACL injury. A brace that promotes increased knee flexion and decreased posterior ground reaction force during landing may prove to be advantageous for developing prevention strategies. Forty male and forty female recreational athletes were recruited. Three-dimensional videographic and ground reaction force data in a stop-jump task were collected in three conditions. Knee flexion angle at peak posterior ground reaction force, peak posterior ground reaction force, the horizontal velocity of approach run, the vertical velocity at takeoff, and the knee flexion angle at takeoff were compared among conditions: knee extension constraint brace, nonconstraint brace, and no brace. The knee extension constraint brace significantly increased knee flexion angle at peak posterior ground reaction force. Both knee extension constraint brace and nonconstraint brace significantly decreased peak posterior ground reaction force during landing. The brace and knee extension constraint did not significantly affect the horizontal velocity of approach run, the vertical velocity at takeoff, and the knee flexion angle at takeoff. A knee extension constraint brace exhibits the ability to modify the knee flexion angle at peak posterior ground reaction force and peak posterior ground reaction force during landing.     

Test-retest reliability of knee biomechanics during stop jump landings

Studies that seek to determine the effects of an intervention on knee biomechanics during landing from a jump implicitly assume that the variables of interest are reliable both within and between data collection sessions. Currently, such reliability data are not available for a stop jump. Standard three-dimensional motion analysis was used to determine sagittal and frontal plane peak angles and moments and peak vertical ground reaction force within and between sessions for a stop jump. Twelve female recreational athletes participated in two data collection sessions spaced two weeks apart. Interclass correlation coefficients and coefficient of multiple correlation were used to determine within and between session reliability of peak knee flexion angle, peak internal knee extension moment, peak knee abduction angle, peak internal knee adduction moment and peak vertical ground reaction force. Overall reliability within a session (ICC (3,1) 0.631-0.881; CMC 0.672-0.958) and between sessions (ICC (3,k) 0.685-0.959; CMC 0.598-0.944) was good. Peak angles and moments were similar between sessions. The stop jump is less reliable within a session than a drop vertical jump reported previously in the literature. This is likely due to increased intrasubject variability between trials due to the less constrained nature of the task. Reliability of the stop jump is comparable to the drop vertical jump between sessions. Reliability of knee adduction moment is lower than reported for the drop vertical jump. The results of this study support the use of a stop jump task to evaluate knee biomechanics during landing in longitudinal studies with a repeated measures design.     

Kinematic changes using weightlifting shoes on barbell back squat

The purpose of this study was to validate a higher degree of foot segment angle by wearing the weightlifting (WL) shoes and to determine the kinematic differences between WL shoes and running shoes during the barbell back squat. College-aged individuals volunteered to participate in this study (N = 25). After warm-up, subjects performed 60% of 1RM barbell back squat. Reflective markers were placed on lower extremity joints and end of the bar to create segments to analyze kinematics of the barbell back squat from a 2-dimensional view. Three separate repeated measure analyses of variance were used at p = 0.05. Results showed that there was a difference between the footwear conditions; foot segment angle of 3.5° (p < 0.05) and trunk lean of 22 mm (p < 0.05) were captured when wearing WL shoes. However, thigh segment peak flexion angle was not statistically different (p = 0.37). Wearing WL shoes seems to be beneficial in reducing the overall trunk lean, because this position is believed to reduce the amount of shear stress in the lower back area. Back squat with WL shoes also increased foot segment angle and possibly contributes to greater muscle excitation in knee extensors. Weightlifting shoes did not help reach thigh segment closer to horizontal as compared with the running shoe condition. It is recommended that WL shoes be used by those who are prone to displaying a forward trunk lean and who aim to increase knee extensor activation.