Healthy, Physical Performance
Conditions
Keywords
Partial squat, Parallel squat, Full squat, Surface electromyography, Counter movement jump
Brief summary
This study examined the acute effects of different squat depths (partial, parallel, full) on lower extremity muscle activation and jump performance (countermovement jump - CMJ). Fourteen healthy sports science students participated in this randomized crossover study. Participants performed three sets of squats at their 5-repetition maximum (5RM) load across three different depths. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during each set, while CMJ performance was assessed before and after the squat protocols.
Detailed description
This study examined the acute effects of different squat depths (partial, parallel, full) on lower extremity muscle activation and jump performance (countermovement jump - CMJ). Fourteen healthy sports science students participated in this randomized crossover study. Participants performed three sets of squats at their 5-repetition maximum (5RM) load across three different depths. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during each set, while CMJ performance was assessed before and after the squat protocols. Results indicated that both mean and peak activation values of all muscles increased significantly with greater squat depth. The highest activation levels in the RF and BF muscles occurred during the full squat, whereas VL activation peaked during both the full and parallel squat conditions. Regarding CMJ performance, no decline was observed after any condition; however, a significant improvement between pre- and post-test values was found only after the full-squat condition. Increasing squat depth positively influences muscle activation and jump performance, and performing full squats in training may enhance neuromuscular stimulation and promote post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE).
Interventions
OTHERPartial Squat Exercise
3 sets of 5-repetition maximum (5RM) squats with a 3-minute rest interval between sets.
OTHERParallel Squat Exercise
3 sets of 5-repetition maximum (5RM) squats with a 3-minute rest interval between sets.
OTHERFull Squat Exercise
3 sets of 5-repetition maximum (5RM) squats with a 3-minute rest interval between sets.
Sponsors
Pamukkale University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Inclusion criteria were: being 18-35 years of age, having at least one year of resistance training experience, and being familiar with partial, half, and full squat techniques.
Exclusion criteria
*
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Activation (Surface Electromyography - sEMG) | During the squat protocol (at the time of the intervention). | Mean and peak electrical activity of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles during the squat exercise. |
| Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Performance | Baseline (pre-test) and 5 minutes after the completion of the squat protocol (post-test). | Jump height measured in centimeters to assess acute changes in explosive power. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed