The DOI matches its Crossref record; 25 of the 25 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Effect of Squat Depth and Barbell Load on Relative Muscular Effort in Squatting
Abstract
Resistance training is used to develop muscular strength and hypertrophy. Large muscle forces, in relation to the muscle's maximum force-generating ability, are required to elicit these adaptations. Previous biomechanical analyses of multi-joint resistance exercises provide estimates of muscle force but not relative muscular effort (RME). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the RME during the squat exercise. Specifically, the effects of barbell load and squat depth on hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor RME were examined. Ten strength-trained women performed squats (50-90% 1 repetition maximum) in a motion analysis laboratory to determine hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor net joint moment (NJM). Maximum isometric strength in relation to joint angle for these muscle groups was also determined. Relative muscular effect was determined as the ratio of NJM to maximum voluntary torque matched for joint angle. Barbell load and squat depth had significant interaction effects on hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor RME (p < 0.05). Knee extensor RME increased with greater squat depth but not barbell load, whereas the opposite was found for the ankle plantar flexors. Both greater squat depth and barbell load increased hip extensor RME. These data suggest that training for the knee extensors can be performed with low relative intensities but require a deep squat depth. Heavier barbell loads are required to train the hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors. In designing resistance training programs with multi-joint exercises, how external factors influence RME of different muscle groups should be considered to meet training objectives.
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In the citing paper
“In terms of the sagittal plane, however, the impact of stance width is conflicting.25–27”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [25]
In the citing paper
“Compared to a narrow/medium stance, the knee flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (69%-80%),27 lower (11%),25 or not different.26”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [25]
In the citing paper
“With respect to the frontal and transverse planes, a wide stance results in greater knee valgus moments (23%)25 and higher hip external rotation moments (19%-37%) when compared to narrow/medium stance squats.26”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [25]
In the citing paper
“Similarly, the hip flexion moment during wide stance squatting has been reported to be higher (10%-48%)26,27 or not different compared to narrow/medium stance squatting.25”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [25]
In the citing paper
“However, a squat stance that exceeds 150% shoulder width may result in elevated knee valgus moments.25”
From A Biomechanical Review of the Squat Exercise: Implications for Clinical Practice. (2024) · cites this paper as [25]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Bryanton, M. A., Kennedy, M. D., Carey, J. P., & Chiu, L. Z. F.
- Affiliations
- University of Alberta (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Chiu, Loren Z.F.
- Venue
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
- Published
- 2012-10
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 2820-2828
- ISSN
- 1064-8011 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1967604583
- Cited by
- 174
- References
- 24
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 2
- FWCI
- 7.52
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Keywords
- squat depth, squatting, net joint moments, hip extensors, knee extensors, ankle plantar flexors, resistance training, multi-joint exercises, training load
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Ankle, Female, Hip, Humans, Isometric Contraction, Knee, Posture, Weight Lifting, Muscle, Skeletal, Muscle Strength, Young Adult
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