Exercise Physiology, Muscle Strength and Oxygenation
Conditions
Keywords
Squat exercise, Resistance training, Muscle strength, Muscle oxygenation, Exercise physiology
Brief summary
The study was conducted using a randomized controlled trial design. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the "Classic Squat Group" or the "Heel-Elevated Squat Group." Both groups completed an 8-week strength training program consisting of three sessions per week, following the resistance exercise principles recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. The main component of the program was the assigned squat variation. Baseline and post-intervention assessments at 8 weeks were performed according to standardized protocols. Exercise sessions were supervised by an experienced physiotherapist to ensure proper technique and minimize injury risk. Training intensity was progressively increased based on participants' adaptation and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength levels.
Interventions
OTHERTradional Squat Group
Participants completed an 8-week supervised bodyweight squat program performed twice weekly, with progressive increases in training volume and intensity. Squats were performed to approximately parallel depth, using a controlled \~2-s eccentric phase followed by maximal intended concentric velocity, with 2-min rest intervals between sets.
OTHERHeel-Elevated Squat Group
Participants in the Heel-Elevated Squat Group performed all repetitions with both heels supported on rigid 5-cm wedges. Participants completed an 8-week supervised bodyweight squat program performed twice weekly, with progressive increases in training volume and intensity. Squats were performed to approximately parallel depth, using a controlled \~2-s eccentric phase followed by maximal intended concentric velocity, with 2-min rest intervals between sets.
Sponsors
Uskudar University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
A randomized parallel-group design was used. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two squat exercise groups, and each group performed a different squat modality.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* No musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that would prevent participation in exercise * Healthy young adults * No regular lower extremity training participation in the last 6 months
Exclusion criteria
* History of surgery or serious injury to the knee, hip, or ankle joints within the past year * Presence of any neurological disorder affecting balance or motor control * Presence of any cardiovascular or pulmonary disease that contraindicates exercise participation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle Strength (Isomed 2000 Isokinetic Dynamometer) | Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention | Quadriceps muscle strength was assessed using a Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer, which is considered a gold-standard method for evaluating muscle performance. Isokinetic testing measures maximal torque produced by the muscle throughout the range of motion at a constant angular velocity, providing reliable data on muscle function. Knee extension strength were evaluated. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Muscle Thickness | Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention | Before measurement, participants rested for 20 minutes, and quadriceps muscle thickness was assessed at the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior pole of the patella using B-mode ultrasonography. Anterior thigh muscle thickness was defined as the distance between the superficial fascia of the rectus femoris and the femoral periosteum, representing the combined thickness of the rectus femoris and vastus intermedius. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed