Muscle activation varies between high-bar and low-bar back squat

Abstract

Background Differences in the muscular activity between the high-bar back squat (HBBS) and the low-bar back squat (LBBS) on the same representative group of experienced powerlifters are still scarcely investigated. The main purpose of the study was to compare the normalized bioelectrical activity and maximal angles within single homogeneous group between the HBBS and LBBS for 60% one repetition maximum (1RM), 65% 1RM and 70% 1RM. Methods Twelve healthy men (age 24.3 ± 2.8 years, height 178.8 ± 5.6 cm, body mass 88.3 ± 11.5 kg), experienced in powerlifting performed HBBS and LBBS with comparable external loads equal 60% 1RM, 65% 1RM, and 70% 1RM. Electromyography (EMG) signals of muscle groups were synchronously recorded alongside kinematic data (joints angle) by means of a motion capture system. Results EMG activity during eccentric phase of squat motion were significantly higher during LBBS than in HBBS for all selected muscles (60% 1RM and 65% 1RM) (p < 0.05). All examined muscles were more activated during concentric phase of the squat cycle (p < 0.05). In the concentric phase, significant differences between the loads were generally not observed between just 5% 1RM change in load level for LBBS. Conclusions Our results confirmed significant differences in muscles activation between both squat techniques. Muscle activity during eccentric phase of squat motion were significantly higher during LBBS than HBBS. The differences are crucial for posterior muscle chain during eccentric phase of squat cycle.

Does Back Squat Exercise Lead to Regional Hypertrophy among Quadriceps Femoris Muscles?

“…To increase the validity of the presented data and reduce the aforementioned confounding factors, all subjects were instructed to perform the squat using the same technique (same foot width, same foot angle, and same barbell position) as trained during the familiarization period. Recently, it was demonstrated that the position of the barbell highly affects thigh muscles activity, with high-bar squats eliciting greater involvement of the RF muscle compared to the low-bar position [ 24 , 25 ]. From a biomechanical perspective, this seems reasonable considering that high-bar squats are defined by a more upright torso, greater knee flexion, and less hip flexion compared to the low-bar variation, resulting in increased moment arm on the thigh muscles [ 26 ].…”

Resistance training induces similar adaptations of upper and lower-body muscles between sexes

“…Unfortunately, other authors 24 , 35 , 45 did not mentioned barbell placement during squats. Recently, it has been demonstrated that bar position highly affects activity of thigh muscles, where high-bar position provoke greater participation of RF during squat exercise, compare to the low-bar placement 46 . Hence, one could speculate that performing squat RT with a bar positioned at acromion level induce hypertrophy of all three vastii muscles and RF as well, and this should be investigated in further research.…”

The effect of blood flow restriction training combined with electrical muscle stimulation on neuromuscular adaptation: a randomized controlled trial

“…High-bar squat training ( Murawa et al, 2020 ) at 25% 1RM was performed in the first, third, and fifth minutes of the session, and the rest was performed in the second and fourth minutes. The rhythm of the squat was controlled by a metronome 10 times/min (3 s concentric/3 s eccentric).…”