30% squat and lunge depth?

[tasinquefield]

Bill,

Quick question. I just got done with an eight week PT program to help correct my biomechanics that seems to be causing my patellofemoral syndrome. I am now doing a home rehab routine, along with starting the Core Performance program.

My doctor advised me not to squat or lunge any deeper than 30 degrees, stating that 90% of my strength will be developed within the first 30 degrees. How accurate is this? I can squat deeper than that with little or pain now, so I am unsure as to how deep I should really squat/lunge?

Btw all of my pain is not gone yet - I have gotten much better as eight weeks ago I could barely get up and down the stairs without really bad pain, now I have very little or none. I am thinking it'll be a good year or so before I am as close to 100% as I'll ever get.

Thanks as always,
Travis

[Bill Hartman]

Travis,

The 30% rule is the range of motion that limits patellar loading. As far as developing 90% of your strength, I think he's FOS. You only develop strength in the range that you train.

Don't exceed the rule until you are painfree in that range and then you can start to expand the range as long as it is pain free.

Make sure you have your mechanic issues corrected as well.

Bill

[tasinquefield]

Thanks for the info. I am still working on my other biomechanical issues but those are getting quite better, especially with my hips. I also have some orthotics which have helped also.