Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
There is a range of opinions on this issue. I think this article presents a good overview of the issues:
http://www.lookgreatnaked.com/articl...e_exercise.pdf
However that may be, at 71 I am by far the oldest person squatting heavy at my gym and the only person squatting heavy who does not wrap their knees. I had a meniscus snip about 10 years ago. I got injured doing fast straight legged deadlifts. Doctor who scoped me said my knee cartilage was perfect.
I've been following a program used by European elites. The cyclists and Nordic skiers being studied used half squats, probably because of the specificity issue mentioned in the above link.
Squat however you want. My squat regimen has definitely improved my strength endurance.
I've yet to hear a single reputable expert say that doing half squats is safer than a using a full range of motion.
They can be a good idea for sport specific training, but they aren't safer.
I squat "heavy" with my personal best being 402 lbs. I don't wrap my knees either.