A biomechanical comparison of the traditional squat, powerlifting squat and box squat.

Swinton, Paul A.; Lloyd, Ray; Keogh, Justin W.L.; Agouris, Ioannis; Stewart, Arthur D.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the traditional squat with two popular exercise variations, commonly referred to as the powerlifting squat and box squat. Twelve male powerlifters performed the exercises with 30, 50 and 70% of their measured 1RM, with instruction to lift the loads as fast as possible. Inverse dynamics and spatial tracking of the external resistance were used to quantify biomechanical variables. A range of significant kinematic and kinetic differences (p < 0.05) emerged between the exercises. The traditional squat was performed with a narrow stance, whereas the powerlifting squat and box squat were performed with similar wide stances (48.3 ± 3.8cm, 89.6 ± 4.9cm, and 92.1 ± 5.1cm, respectively). During the eccentric phase of the traditional squat the knee travelled past the toes resulting in anterior displacement of the system center of mass (COM). In contrast, during the powerlifting squat and box squat a more vertical shin position was maintained, resulting in posterior displacements of the system COM. These differences in linear displacements had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on a number of peak joint moments, with the greatest effects measured at the spine and ankle. For both joints the largest peak moment was produced during the traditional squat, followed by the powerlifting squat, then box squat. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also noted at the hip joint where the largest moment in all three planes was produced during the powerlifting squat. Coaches and athletes should be aware of the biomechanical differences between the squatting variations and select according to the kinematic and kinetic profile that best match the training goals.

Citation

SWINTON, P.A., LLOYD, R., KEOGH, J.W.L., AGOURIS, I. and STEWART, A. 2012. A biomechanical comparison of the traditional squat, powerlifting squat and box squat. Journal of strength and conditioning research [online], 26(7), pages 1805-1816. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182577067

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 31, 2012
• Online Publication Date: Jul 31, 2012
• Publication Date: Jul 31, 2012
• Deposit Date: Nov 28, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 28, 2013
• Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research
• Print ISSN: 1064-8011
• Electronic ISSN: 1533-4287
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 1805-1816
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182577067
• Keywords: Kinematics; Kinetics; RFD; Submaximum loads; Technique
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/903
• Contract Date: Nov 28, 2013