Velocity- and power-load relationships in the half, parallel and full back squat

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 37; no. 10; pp. 1088 - 1096
• Main Authors: Martínez-Cava, Alejandro, Morán-Navarro, Ricardo, Sánchez-Medina, Luis, González-Badillo, Juan José, Pallarés, Jesús G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Routledge 19.05.2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Body mass; force platform; Humans; Load; lumbar spine; Male; muscle strength; Posture; propulsive phase; Range of Motion, Articular; Resistance Training; squat depth; Strength training; Variation; Velocity; Weight Lifting - physiology; Young Adult; muscle strength; lumbar spine; squat depth; Resistance training; force platform; propulsive phase
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1544187

This study aimed to compare the load-velocity and load-power relationships of three common variations of the squat exercise. 52 strength-trained males performed a progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the full (F-SQ), parallel (P-SQ) and half (H-SQ) squat, conducted in random order on separate days. Bar velocity and vertical force were measured by means of a linear velocity transducer time-synchronized with a force platform. The relative load that maximized power output (Pmax) was analyzed using three outcome measures: mean concentric (MP), mean propulsive (MPP) and peak power (PP), while also including or excluding body mass in force calculations. 1RM was significantly different between exercises. Load-velocity and load-power relationships were significantly different between the F-SQ, P-SQ and H-SQ variations. Close relationships (R 2  = 0.92-0.96) between load (%1RM) and bar velocity were found and they were specific for each squat variation, with faster velocities the greater the squat depth. Unlike the F-SQ and P-SQ, no sticking region was observed for the H-SQ when lifting high loads. The Pmax corresponded to a broad load range and was greatly influenced by how force output is calculated (including or excluding body mass) as well as the exact outcome variable used (MP, MPP, PP).