Comparison of Muscle Activation Between Back Squats and Belt Squats
Department
Exercise Science and Sport Management
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2019
Abstract
A machine belt squat is a piece of equipment designed to allow the performance of squats while loading weight on the lifter's hips using a belt. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether belt squats differ from back squats in activation of the primary movers and to determine the predictive capabilities of back squat load, training status, and anthropometric data on belt squat load. Thirty-one participants (16 men and 15 women) completed anthropometric measurements, a demographic questionnaire, a familiarization visit, and 2 testing visits, completing a 5 repetition maximum test for back squat and belt squat. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation for the left and right vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus (GM). Comparison of muscle activation between the 2 exercises showed significant differences in the left GM (back squat: 0.84 ± 0.45, belt squat: 0.69 ± 0.22, p = 0.015) and right GM (back squat: 0.86 ± 0.45, belt squat: 0.71 ± 0.29, p = 0.004). Regression analysis computed significant prediction equations for belt squat load for general population, men, women, and advanced lifters. Overall, results indicate that belt squats may significantly differ in GM activation from back squats. Back squat load, as well as other variables, may be effective in accurately estimating appropriate belt squat load. These findings may help to more appropriately program for training with machine belt squats as a back squat alternative.
Journal Title
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Journal ISSN
1064-8011
Volume
33
First Page
S52
Last Page
S59
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1519/JSC.0000000000002052