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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.

Authors

Ray Lloyd

Justin W.L. Keogh

Arthur D. Stewart



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 Mar 29, 2024
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

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