ABSTRACT
The eccentric squat exercise performed with a 25º decline angle has been suggested as an effective treatment method for the knee joint. However, this clinical strategy lacks a well-founded scientific analysis about its biomechanical effects on the lower limb, and the standardized use of a 25º slant angle. A systematic review was carried out to assess the biomechanical influence on the lower limb (joint moments, muscle activity, load on the patellar tendon and on the femoral patellar joint) from different decline angles during the eccentric squat exercise. Nine studies were identified according to the inclusion criteria. The results suggest that knee extensors muscle activity and knee moment increase as the decline angle also increases. However, the activity of the calf muscles and patellofemoral joint overload increase significantly above 15º. Thus, a 15º angle slant angle seems to provide greater mechanical advantage and safety for knee rehabilitation.
