Effect of supportive equipment on force, velocity, and power in the squat

The purpose of this investigation was to examine various kinetic and kinematic variables associated with squats without and with the use of a squat suit (SS). No previous investigation has examined the effect of an SS on squat performance. Participants were 8 elite or professional level male powerlifters (height = 178.59 ± 3.5 cm; body mass = 106.8 ± 30.4 kg; age = 25 ± 2.2 years; mean 1 repetition maximum [1RM] =197.7 ± 53 kg). Subjects participated in 3 testing sessions, with the first session involving a 1RM squat without a squat suit (NSS). Sessions 2 and 3 involved a testing session completing 2 trials in the squat at 3 intensities (80, 90, and 100% of 1RM) either without (NSS) or with an SS. The session and order of the intensities were all randomized. Force-time, velocity-time, and power-time graphs were calculated from data from a force plate and 2 linear position transducers attached to the barbell. Peak eccentric force was significantly higher during SS at 100% of 1RM (NSS-100 = 3196.2 ± 470.6, SS-100 = 3369.7 ± 589.9 N). Peak concentric velocity was significantly higher during SS in comparison to NSS at all intensities. Peak concentric power was significantly higher during SS at 80% of 1RM (NSS-80 = 1566.5 ± 388.4 W, SS-80 = 1770.4 ± 483.2 W) and 90% of 1RM (NSS-90 = 1493.1 ± 296.2 W, SS-90 = 1723.8 ± 449.5 W). The current investigation has demonstrated significantly different kinetic and kinematic characteristics between squats without (NSS) and with an SS, which could ultimately aid in enhancing squat performance.