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Electromyography Comparison of Sex Differences During the Back Squat
Kelton Mehls1, Brandon Grubbs2, Ying Jin3
1Department of Exercise Science, Walsh University, North Canton, Ohio; and.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 8, 2020
Summary
Men showed greater biceps femoris (BF) muscle activation during the back squat exercise compared to women. This suggests women may need alternative exercises to fully develop the BF muscle.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
Background:
- The back squat is a fundamental resistance exercise targeting lower-body musculature.
- Limited research exists on sex-based differences in muscle activation during the back squat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lower-body muscle activity between resistance-trained men and women during the back squat.
- To identify potential sex differences in muscle activation patterns relevant to training prescription.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure muscle activity in 28 resistance-trained individuals (14 men, 14 women).
- Participants performed back squats at 85% of their 1 repetition maximum.
- EMG data were collected for the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris (BF).
Main Results:
- Men exhibited significantly higher normalized EMG activity in the biceps femoris (BF) during the descending phase of the back squat.
- No significant differences in muscle activation were found for the other five measured muscles between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Men demonstrate greater biceps femoris (BF) activation during the back squat compared to women.
- Training programs for women may need to incorporate additional exercises to ensure optimal development of the biceps femoris (BF) muscle.
