A comparison of knee joint moments during high flexion squatting and kneeling postures in healthy individuals.

Background: Deep knee bending has been reported as an occupational hazard to workers who have to adopt such postures. High knee joint moments have been associated with knee osteoarthritis initiation and progression.

Objective: This study aimed to compare four high knee flexion postures (dorsiflexed and plantarflexed kneeling, and flat-foot and heels-up squatting) to determine which one results in lower knee joint flexion and ab/adduction moments.

The effects of a simulated occupational kneeling exposure on squat mechanics and knee joint load during gait.

Occupational kneeling is associated with an increased risk for tibiofemoral knee osteoarthritis. Forces on the knee in the kneeling posture, as well as the greater incidence of meniscus tears among workers, likely contribute to the increased risk. We hypothesise that an additional mechanism may contribute - altered neuromuscular control due to prolonged high knee flexion.

Knee joint moments during high flexion movements: Timing of peak moments and the effect of safety footwear.

Aim: (1) Characterize knee joint moments and peak knee flexion moment timing during kneeling transitions, with the intent of identifying high-risk postures. (2) Determine whether safety footwear worn by kneeling workers (construction workers, tile setters, masons, roofers) alters high flexion kneeling mechanics.

Methods: Fifteen males performed high flexion kneeling transitions.

Peak activation of lower limb musculature during high flexion kneeling and transitional movements.

Few studies have measured lower limb muscle activation during high knee flexion or investigated the effects of occupational safety footwear. Therefore, our understanding of injury and disease mechanisms, such as knee osteoarthritis, is limited for these high-risk postures. Peak activation was assessed in eight bilateral lower limb muscles for twelve male participants, while shod or barefoot.