Effect of Squat Depth and Barbell Load on Relative Muscular Effort in Squatting
Bryanton MA, Kennedy MD, Carey JP, Chiu LZF
Evidence is still building up
Summary
A study in 10 strength-trained women measured relative muscular effort at the hip, knee, and ankle across varying squat depths and barbell loads. Knee extensor relative effort increased with depth but not load, while hip extensor relative effort increased with both depth and load — showing that deeper squats raise demand on the hip as well as the knee.
Key findings
- 1
Knee extensor relative effort increased with squat depth but did not respond to barbell load
- 2
Hip extensor relative effort increased with both squat depth and barbell load
- 3
Ankle plantar flexor relative effort increased with barbell load but not with depth
- 4
Limited to 10 strength-trained women in a single testing session; extrapolation to men, beginners, or older adults is limited
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