Barbell Hip Thrust, Muscular Activation and Performance: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science and Performance Analysis

Background:

• The barbell hip thrust (BHT) is increasingly popular for gluteal muscle development.
• Understanding its neuromuscular activation and transferability to sport-specific movements is crucial for athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review muscle activation during the BHT.
• To analyze the transfer of BHT exercise to horizontal displacement activities in sports.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across PubMed, SPORTDiscuss, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion of studies with physically trained participants analyzing muscle activation via EMG or MVIC.
• Focus on acute or chronic transfer effects to horizontal displacement activities.

Main Results:

• BHT showed greater hip extensor (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris) activation than squats.
• Consistent muscle excitation sequence identified: gluteus maximus, erector spinae, hamstrings, quadriceps.
• Significant acute improvements in sprinting observed post-BHT exercise.
• Chronic BHT training showed mixed results for sprint time improvement.

Conclusions:

• BHT mechanics promote superior hip extensor activation compared to conventional exercises.
• The identified muscle activation sequence is consistent across BHT variations.
• Post-activation potentiation from BHT significantly enhances acute sprint performance.
• Further research is required to confirm chronic benefits of BHT on sprint performance.