Abstract
Barbell placement can affect squat performance around the sticking region. This study compared kinematics, kinetics, and myoelectric activity of the safety-bar squat with the high-bar, and low-bar squat around the sticking region. Six recreationally resistance-trained men (26.3 ± 3.1 years, body mass: 81 ± 7.7 kg) and eight women (22.1 ± 2.2 years, body mass: 65.7 ± 10.5 kg) performed three repetition maximums in all three squat conditions. The participants lifted the least load with the safety bar followed by the high-bar and then the low-bar squat. Greater myoelectric activity of the gluteus maximus was observed during safety-bar squats than high-bar squats. Also, larger knee extension moments were observed for the safety bar compared with low-bar squat. Men had higher myoelectric activity in the safety-bar condition for the gluteus maximus during all regions in comparison with women, and greater knee valgus at the second occurrence of peak barbell velocity. Our findings suggest that the more upright torso inclination during the safety-bar could allow greater gluteus maximus contribution to the hip extensor moment. Moreover, low-bar squats allowed the greatest loads to be lifted, followed by the high-bar and safety-bar squats, possibly due to the larger hip moments and similar knee moments compared to the other squat conditions. Therefore, when the goal is to lift the greatest load possible among recreationally trained men and women, they should first attempt squatting with a low-bar technique, and if the goal is to increase myoelectric activity in the gluteus maximus, a safety-bar squat may be the more effective than the high- bar squat.
Highlights
The back squat is a commonly used exercise by recreational lifters and athletes, both in training and competition [1]
Greater myoelectric acactivity of the gluteus maximus was observed during the safety-bar squat compared to tivity of the gluteus maximus was observed during the safety-bar squat compared to the the high-bar squat
Differences were found in joint kinematics for the knee extenextension moments between the safety-bar and the low-bar squat
Summary
The back squat is a commonly used exercise by recreational lifters and athletes, both in training and competition [1]. Hecker, Carlson and Lawrence [2] did not report if the Olympic back squat exercise was with a high-bar or a low-bar barbell placement. As stated, they found that squatting with a safety-bar produced a more upright torso, resulting in less hip flexion and a slight decrease in dorsiflexion. They found that squatting with a safety-bar produced a more upright torso, resulting in less hip flexion and a slight decrease in dorsiflexion They found less myoelectric activity in the gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, middle trapezius, and
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
