Leg Muscle Activity Measured Via Electromyography in Back Squat Variations

Lower Limb Muscle Activity and Recruitment Patterns Measured Via Electromyography in Back Squat Variations

The purpose of the study is to see how different forms of the squat exercise change my body's leg muscle activity. Four forms of the traditional back squat will be used: traditional back squat, barefoot squat, box squat, and traditional back squat with chains.

Resistance exercise has various benefits that promote health and reduce the chance of chronic disease, but the biggest benefit may be found in the effects on maintaining muscle mass throughout the aging process. The implications resistance training has on an individual's ability to function throughout the day with less fatigue whilst performing tasks at an easier level can all be related to improved strength and endurance that comes with resistance training. Furthermore, how the nervous system adapts and sends signals to the working muscles are of great interest as neuromuscular adaptations help in coordination, balance, and agility. Variations of the same style of exercise have been theorized to improve and/or change the adaptations that can occur. Thus, the purpose of this study would be to assess surface electromyography (sEMG) activations on 4 anatomical sites simultaneously during the squat exercise under varying conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants will be males and females between the ages of 18 - 30 years
• Participant has provided written and dated informed consent to participate
• Participant is willing and able to comply with the protocol
• Participant is apparently healthy and free from disease, as determined by a health history questionnaire
• Participant agrees to abstain from lower body exercise 3 days prior to each testing visit
• Participant has completed at least 1 lower body workout every week for the past 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant reports any unusual adverse events associated with this study that in consultation with their physician recommends removal from the study
• Participant begins consumption of new supplement during the timeline of this study
• Participant is unable to refrain from consuming pre-workout supplement prior to testing sessions
• Participant is unwilling to refrain from lower body exercise at least 3 days prior to each testing session