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Related Experiment Videos

Trunk muscle activity increases with unstable squat movements.

Kenneth Anderson1, David G Behm

  • 1School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7.

Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology = Revue Canadienne De Physiologie Appliquee
|April 28, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Performing squats on unstable surfaces significantly increases electromyographic (EMG) activity in postural muscles like the soleus (SOL) and trunk stabilizers (erector spinae), compared to stable or Smith machine squats.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Kinesiology

Background:

  • Squat exercises are fundamental for lower body and core strength.
  • Varying stability and resistance during squats can alter muscle activation patterns.
  • Understanding muscle recruitment is crucial for optimizing training and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate electromyographic (EMG) activity differences in key muscles during squats.
  • To compare muscle activation across varied stability conditions (Smith machine, free squat, balance discs).
  • To analyze the influence of contraction type (concentric vs. eccentric) on EMG activity.

Main Methods:

  • Fourteen male subjects performed squat variations under different stability conditions.
  • EMG activity was recorded for soleus (SOL), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), abdominal stabilizers (AS), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES), and lumbo-sacral erector spinae (LSES).

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  • Data were analyzed to compare muscle activation between stability types and contraction phases.

    • Main Results:

    • Soleus (SOL), abdominal stabilizers (AS), and erector spinae (ULES, LSES) showed significantly higher EMG activity during unstable squats.
    • The Smith machine protocol resulted in the lowest EMG activity for these postural and stabilizing muscles.
    • EMG activity was greater during concentric muscle contractions than during eccentric contractions.

    Conclusions:

    • Unstable squat variations, particularly on balance discs, enhance activation of postural and trunk stabilizing muscles.
    • These findings suggest that unstable squats can be beneficial for developing spinal support and postural muscle strength.
    • Training adaptations in erector spinae and soleus muscles may be facilitated by performing squats on unstable surfaces.