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KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE POWERLIFTING STYLE

SQUAT AND THE CONVENTIONAL DEADLIFT DURING


COMPETITION: IS THERE A CROSS-OVER EFFECT
BETWEEN LIFTS?
MICHAEL E. HALES,1 BENJAMIN F. JOHNSON,1 AND JEFF T. JOHNSON2
1
Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Science, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia; and
2
Department of Physical Education and Recreation, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia

ABSTRACT (p , 0.01), implying that no direct or specific cross-over effect


Hales, ME, Johnson, BF, and Johnson, JT. Kinematic analysis exists between the individual lifts.
of the powerlifting style squat and the conventional deadlift K EY W ORDS biomechanics, sticking point, sequential,
during competition: is there a cross-over effect between lifts? synergistic, partial deadlift
J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2574–2580, 2009—Many
individuals involved in the sport of powerlifting believe that
the squat and deadlift have such similar lifting characteristics INTRODUCTION

S
that the lifts yield comparable training results. The aim of this urprisingly, the controversy of whether deadlifts
study was to compare and contrast biomechanical parameters should be substituted with squat exercises during
between the conventional style deadlift and the back squat training continues to resonate throughout the
performed by 25 lifters competing in regional powerlifting powerlifting community. Many individuals in-
championship. The 3-dimensional analysis incorporated 4 60 volved in the sport of powerlifting believe that the squat
Hz synchronized video cameras for collecting data from 25 and deadlift have such similar lifting characteristics that
the lifts will yield comparable training results, with a cross-
participants. Parameters were quantified at the sticking point
over effect. Numerous coaches and competitors mistakenly
specific to each lift. Kinematic variables were calculated at the
continue to substitute various squat exercises into their
hip, knee, and ankle. Paired (samples) t-tests were used to
training programs in place of the deadlift in hopes of
detect significant differences in the kinematic mean scores for miraculous performance improvements in the deadlift.
the different lift types. The statistical analysis revealed However, the resemblance appears to be primarily restricted
significant differences exist between the squat (0.09 m/s) to submaximal deadlift loads typically used during the early
and the deadlift (0.20 m/s) vertical bar velocities. Differences stages of a training program (10). Even though the squat and
were found for angular position of the hip, knee, and ankle deadlift appear similar from a simplistic mechanical stand-
between lifts. The sticking point thigh angles were quantified as point, the lifts are considered quite different when analyzed
32.54 6 3.02 and 57.42 6 4.57 for the squat and deadlift, under maximal loading conditions, as used in powerlifting
respectively. Trunk angles were 40.58 6 6.29 (squat) and competitions. It is extremely difficult for an individual to
58.30 6 7.15 (deadlift). The results indicate the back squat identify the minute movement pattern differences visually,
but it is very easy to isolate variations using sophisticated
represents a synergistic or simultaneous movement, whereas
motion analysis instrumentation. From a biomechanical
the deadlift demonstrates a sequential or segmented move-
perspective, the squat and deadlift are much more different
ment. The kinematic analysis of the squat and the conventional
from one another than currently believed by many in the
deadlift indicate that the individual lifts are markedly different powerlifting community.
Two basic strategies exist for lifting weights off of the
ground (i.e., the deadlift) (9). One strategy is referred to as the
leg-lift, which displays a flexed knee position with a relatively
vertical trunk position. The method demonstrates a move-
Address correspondence to Michael Hales, mhales@kennesaw.edu. ment that exhibits simultaneous and relatively equal angular
23(9)/2574–2580 changes about the hip, knee, and ankle that closely resembles
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research the back squat movement. Conversely, the back-lift strategy
! 2009 National Strength and Conditioning Association exhibits an extended knee and flexed trunk position during
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the initial phase of the move-


ment, indicating a significantly
increased rate of knee exten-
sion. The knee movement cou-
pled with heavy weight lifting
causes the hips to rise rapidly,
thus creating an increase in
trunk lean. The leg-lift method
demonstrates a reduced load
on the lumbar spine, which is
considered safer, but the knees
are heavily loaded, whereas the
back-lift style subjects the lum-
bar region to extremely high
Figure 1. Vertical bar velocity (squat).
resultant forces and moments.
Depending on the lifting strat-
egy, lower-extremity muscle
groups are recruited in either a synergistic (leg-lift) or deadlift styles (3,4,8) to determine which method is best
sequential (back-lift) manner to generate the necessary for strength development or lower-extremity rehabilitation
muscle moments. Bejjani et al. (2) reported that the leg-lift (8,21), but a comparative analysis between lift types has never
method approaches the straight leg technique when lifting been reported. Investigating the kinematics of both lift types
extremely heavy weights caused, in part, by biomechanical concurrently while performed by a common subject pool
constraints and the inability to maintain lumbar lordosis. could produce information that may challenge current
During heavy weight lifting, the leg-lift method does not training philosophies.
appear to be the preferred strategy and may not be even
possible (18–20). In summary, no one tends to use one METHODS
method explicitly, but rather people use a combination of the Experimental Approach to the Problem
2 different styles. However, when an individuals near their The objective of the study was to compare the back squat and
maximal deadlift capacity, the back-lift strategy appears to be the conventional style deadlift to determine whether a bio-
the most commonly used technique. mechanical relationship exists between the individual lift
To perform a comparative analysis, a common phenom- types. A competition setting was selected over a laboratory-
enon specific to each of the individual lift types was needed to based analysis because of the different lifting strategies used,
serve as a marker for distinguishing differences between the submaximal versus maximal loads. An all-out effort in
lifts. The event, described as the ‘‘sticking point,’’ was selected competition as lifters attempt to set personal or state/national
because it has been reported to occur in various weight lifting records is very difficult to replicate in a laboratory. For this
movements, including the back squat and the deadlift reason, a competition environment was deemed best for
(6,15,16). The sticking point of a movement is where the addressing the issue of training specificity in relation to the
upward momentum of the barbell is momentarily decreased squat and deadlift cross-over effect.
or stopped. This event is par-
ticularly important because the
success in weight lifting de-
pends on a continuous motion
of the barbell past this region of
the lift. By isolating the sticking
point and identifying the bio-
mechanical constraints associ-
ated with this region, one could
provide training implications that
address lifting technique and the
possible implementation of spe-
cific assistance-type exercises.
Numerous weight lifting
analyses have focused on
different squat techniques Figure 2. Vertical bar velocity (Deadlift).
(1,5,7,12,14) or different

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Kinematic Analysis of Squat and Deadlift

The conventional style dead-


lift was selected for 2 reasons: a)
fewer lifters use the sumo style TABLE 1. Vertical bar velocity.
deadlift in competition (small Lift type Velocity (m!s21)
subject pool), and b) the ma-
jority of the sumo style dead- Squat 0.10 6 0.05* 0.34 6 0.06 0.22 6 0.04
lifters do not perform the Deadlift 0.20 6 0.06* 0.32 6 0.04 0.24 6 0.06
Position 1 (begin Position 2 (peak bar Position 3 (sticking
back squat with a wide stance,
ascent) velocity) point)
so the significantly different
foot placement would affect *Significance (p , 0.01).
the biomechanical comparison.
Only lifters that used a conven-
tional-style deadlift and rela-
tively narrow squat stance, heels approximately shoulder barbell was assumed to be fixed at the shoulder during
width, were selected for analysis. Similar foot placement was the squat, so the shoulder joint markers were used to quantify
an important control factor for comparing the individual lift bar motion. Contrary with previous studies, the barbell end
types. was not selected as a point for analysis because bar flex
(oscillation) occurs throughout the execution of the lifts.
Subjects
Three stages were identified during the deadlift: a) lift-off
The 25 male participants were competitors in a regional
(LO); 2) knee passing (KP); and 3) lift completion (LC). In
powerlifting contest, which also served as a national qualifier.
accordance with the United States Powerlifting Federation
The competition attracted lifters with varying skill levels,
(USPF) guidelines, the competitors were allowed 3 lift
which provided a heterogeneous group of participants. Only
attempts for each of the individual lifts (11). The maximal
lifters who successfully completed a squat and deadlift were
load successfully lifted, for each lift type, was selected for
randomly selected for analysis at the conclusion of the
analysis of each of the lifters.
contest. Before competition, body weight (93.63 6 30.9 kg),
body height (1.82 6 0.15 m), and age (28 6 8 yr) were Statistical Analysis
recorded after receipt of a signed consent from each Means 6 SD were calculated for each of the biomechanical
participant. Before data collection, the research project was parameters. Paired (samples) t-tests were used to detect
reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at significant differences in the kinematic mean scores for the
Georgia State University. different lift types (a = 0.01). Calculated p values lower than
Protocol 0.01 were considered evidence for statistical significance.
Four synchronized video cameras (60 Hz) were used to
quantify the 3-dimensional analysis. The cameras were RESULTS
oriented to avoid any possibility of the spotters, judges, and Absolute and relative angles were calculated geometrically
weight plates obstructing the camera’s view of the compet- along with the 3-dimensional linear and angular kinematics of
itors (i.e., body landmarks).
A peak performance video/
analog motion measurement
system was used to extract
kinematic data from the condi- TABLE 2. Relative angles.
tioned video signals (17), and
Lift type Relative joint angle (deg)
then data were smoothed using
a Butterworth digital filter Hip
(cutoff frequency 6 Hz). Four Squat 57.85 6 7.88* 67.32 6 9.89* 81.77 6 6.03*
bilateral joint centers (shoulder, Deadlift 69.07 6 8.41* 85.38 6 7.29* 95.63 6 8.14*
hip, knee, and ankle) and 2 Knee
Squat 66.23 6 7.39 82.95 6 8.00* 101.21 6 6.41*
podiatric landmarks (lateral as- Deadlift 125.72 6 8.04* 142.43 6 9.09 149.85 6 7.21*
pect of the calcaneus and Ankle
lateral aspect of the 5th meta- Squat 55.10 6 6.38* 67.41 6 7.56* 75.86 6 7.34*
tarsal) were manually digitized. Deadlift 46.34 6 7.51* 63.59 6 6.95* 70.74 6 7.15*
In addition, hand and bar P1 (begin ascent) P2 (peak bar velocity) P3 (sticking point)
contact points were included *Significance (p , 0.01).
for the deadlift to accurately
measure bar velocity. Also, the
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the following parameters: bar,


shoulder, hip; knee, and ankle.
It was observed that, during the
deadlift, certain body segments
ascended before barbell LO, so
the ‘‘ascent phase’’ was defined
as the upward movement of the
barbell, unless otherwise stated.
Vertical Bar Velocity (Sticking
Point)
Each kinematic variable was
reported at 3 different points:
P1 signified the start of the
ascent phase; P2 represents the
first point where vertical bar Figure 3. Squat—Kneeangle vs. hip angle.

momentum begins to diminish;


and P3 represents the first point
of pronounced acceleration
(sticking point) after the pre-
vious phase. The sticking point
is an important position because TABLE 3. Absolute angles.
if the lifter is unable to over-
Lift type Absolute joint angle (deg)
come the inertia of the lifter-
barbell system and increase Trunk
vertical velocity at P3, the lift Squat 39.04 6 6.93* 39.47 6 7.20* 40.58 6 6.29*
will not be successful. Deadlift 68. 35 6 6.94* 60.96 6 6.69* 58.30 6 7.15*
Thigh
Vertical bar velocity during
Squat 23.46 6 2.92* 26.39 6 2.89* 32.32 6 2.01*
the ascent phase was used to Deadlift 40.39 6 2.94* 51.48 6 2.97* 57.50 6 2.94*
identify the sticking region. Shank
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the Squat 55.10 6 6.38* 67.41 6 7.56* 75.86 6 7.34*
sticking point associated with Deadlift 46.34 6 7.51* 63.59 6 6.95* 70.79 6 7.15*
P1 (begin ascent) P2 (peak bar velocity) P3 (sticking point)
the squat and the conventional
style deadlift. A significant *Significance (p , 0.01).
difference (p , 0.01) exists
between the squat and deadlift
at P1 but not at P2 and P3.
Angular Positions
Each parameter selected for
analysis indicated significantly
different (p , 0.01) relative
angular positions at the se-
lected points. The hip and knee
angular displacements for the
squat displayed relatively equal
changes throughout the stick-
ing point region at 14.45" and
10.25", respectively.
The trunk demonstrated a de-
crease in angular position (2.66")
during the sticking region of the
deadlift, whereas hip extension
increased (10.25"). Similarly,
during the squat, the trunk Figure 4. Deadlift—Knee angle vs. hip angle.
displayed minimal angular

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Kinematic Analysis of Squat and Deadlift

and ankle angular positions


but also displayed different
TABLE 4. Segmental lengths. bar velocities. These findings
Lift type Arm (m) Trunk (m) Thigh (m) Shank (m)
support the argument that the
sticking point mechanisms dif-
Squat 0.62 6 0.06 0.54 6 0.07* 0.55 6 0.06 0.46 6 0.05 fer between the squat and
Deadlift 0.61 6 0.06 0.49 6 0.04* 0.55 6 0.05 0.46 6 0.04 the conventional- style deadlift
*Significance (p , 0.01). caused, in part, by biomechan-
ical and physiologic factors
affecting muscle force produc-
tion. Some of the variability
change (1.11"), whereas the hip exhibited 14.45" of extension. among the kinematic parameters could be attributed to the
The absolute thigh angle at the sticking point for the squat and differing skill levels or differences in antropometric measure-
deadlift were 32.54" and 57.42", respectively. ments between the individual lifters. Further research in this
area should investigate how high-skill level competitors
Knee Angle Versus Hip angle
negotiate the sticking point region as compared with lesser-
The deadlift showed 3 distinct or segmented phases defined
skilled lifters.
by a dominant joint action: LO, knee extension; KP, hip
The back squat exercise is considered paradoxical because
extension; and LC, knee/hip extension. The squat lift
of the cocontracting antagonistic muscles of the lower
produced a linear relationship between the joint movements,
extremities during the execution phase. Lombard and Abbott
illustrating a more synergistic or simultaneous movement.
(13) described the phenomenon involving bi-articulate
Anthropometric Measures muscles in a manner that joint movement is determined by
These data were used in a quantitative manner to substantiate the dominant muscle moment about that particular joint
how segmental lengths may influence and alter moment arm regardless of the muscle’s multifunctional role. The relative
lengths between the different lift types. Only trunk length was knee and hip angular displacements during the back squat
significantly different (p , 0.01) between the lift types. movement display similar rates of change throughout the
‘‘sticking point’’ region (Table 2). Figure 3 depicts a relatively
linear relationship between the knee and hip throughout the
DISCUSSION ascent phase of the squat, a condition during which cocon-
A more detailed kinematic model would have been preferred, traction of the rectus femoris and the hamstring group (biceps
but the USPF regulations would not permit the use of reflec- femoris, semitendenosus, and semimembranosus) is evident. In
tive markers during competition, which could have poten- this case, the extensor muscle moment generated at the hip by
tially impeded the performance of the lifters. However, the the hamstrings is in excess of the flexor muscle moment of the
powerlifting championship setting provided an ideal oppor- rectus femoris. Similarly, at the knee, the extensor moment of
tunity to analyze individuals performing the squat and deadlift the quadriceps dominates the flexor muscle moment of the
while lifting extremely heavy loads. Even though the lifts hamstring group (19,22). Bar velocities quantified during
demonstrate fundamental differences and use different lifting the ascent phase of the squat implies the net extensor moment
strategies, a detailed analysis was used to address a common is diminished at the ‘‘sticking point’’ region (Figure 1). In
misconception that a cross-over effect exists between the lifts. addition, the mean absolute knee angle (Table 3) reported at
The most obvious differences between the squat and deadlift the sticking point is similar to past research findings (16).
are the placement of the barbell and the lifter’s body position Conversely, the deadlift exhibits different lifting mechanics
during the execution of the lifts; however, the kinematic as compared with the squat, with the most obvious being
differences between the lifts are not as evident without motion the 3 distinct stages (Figure 4) identified during the execution
analysis instrumentation. The deadlift, unlike the back squat, or ascent phase: LO, KP, and LC. Interestingly, these inde-
consists only of an ‘‘upward’’ movement when performed in pendent phases have never been clearly defined in previous
competition, so an analysis of the ascent phase was selected research, and the availability of this information could
for 2 primary reasons: a) it was common between lift types challenge the current training methods that target the
and b) it contained the sticking point for both movements. sticking point in the deadlift. The different phases were
The statistical analysis revealed significant differences defined based on the kinematics and further identified by the
between the 2 lifts for the selected kinematic parameters barbell location relative to anatomic landmarks. The LO
(p , 0.01). To identify the sticking point for the squat and phase begins with the weight on the floor and proceeds until
deadlift, bar velocity was selected because it best represents the barbell nears the tibial tuberosity (approximately 6 cm
the performance and outcome of the overall lift (Table 1). It distal to the patella). The movement exhibited predominant
was shown that the sticking point of the squat (Figure 1) and knee extension throughout the entire phase (Table 2), and the
deadlift (Figure 2) not only occurred at different hip, knee, trunk angle actually decreased, indicating an increase in trunk
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lean during the initial phase of the lift (Table 3). The second involved in the execution of the squat and conventional style
stage was defined as the distance between the tibial deadlift, interpretations of the resultant forces and moments
tuberosity to a point approximately 6 cm proximal to the are difficult. Although the kinematic data reaffirmed that
patella. During this phase of the lift, the movement was there may be changes in muscle action, mechanical disad-
dominated by hip extension with relatively minimal knee vantages, muscle angle of pull, and muscle length-tension
extension. An important note, the KP stage includes the relationships near this part of the movement, a biomechanical
sticking point position, which is located near the inferior dynamic model is needed before the musculoskeletal dynam-
portion of the patella. The final stage of the deadlift (LC) ics can be explained adequately. The scope of this analysis was
transitions from the KP phase until the body is standing to determine gross kinematic differences between the back
completely erect. The LC portion of the lift demonstrated squat and the conventional style deadlift.
a combination of both hip and knee extension. The deadlift
does not necessarily follow the Lombard model because the PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
execution of the lift is partitioned into 3 distinct phases.
Currently, a large portion of the powerlifting community
The segmental trunk length was defined as the distance
assumes that the sticking point for the deadlift occurs
between the hip and shoulder joint centers. The relative trunk
approximately at knee level. This assumption was supported
lengths differed (p , 0.01) between the squat and deadlift
by the findings of this study; however, momentum began to
(Table 4), suggesting the lifters demonstrated different
diminish before the sticking point. A popular exercise for
postural positions during the execution phase of the lifts.
training the sticking point of the deadlift is referred to as
During the back squat, lifters were able to maintain lumbar
a ‘‘lockout’’ or ‘‘partial deadlift’’ performed using a ‘‘power
lordosis with a slightly arched but rigid spinal column.
rack.’’ Typically, lifters place the barbell approximately at knee
However, the deadlift exhibited a different trunk configura-
level and proceed to lift the bar from this starting position until
tion, which suggests that under maximal load conditions, the
the hips and knees are fully extended. In retrospect, as the
spinal column displays an abnormal curvature of the spine
results suggest, starting the partial deadlift at the knees may be
during the execution of the deadlift. Specifically, the trunk
incorrect because the findings from the analysis indicated that
was unable to maintain lumbar lordosis, and a prominent
vertical bar momentum began to decrease before the bar
kyphotic condition was evident at the thoracic region of the
reached the knee position. Therefore, in contradiction with
spinal column, which produced a rounded back posture. It
current training methods, the barbell should be positioned
has been reported that maximal and submaximal deadlifts
approximately 6 cm below the knees to target the entire
demonstrate different lifting techniques and require different
region, signifying a decrease in momentum including the
lifting strategies (10).
sticking point. The problem most people encounter while
In summary, the sticking point for both the squat and
performing lockouts is the inability to replicate body position
deadlift identified the portion of the lift where the involved
specific to the deadlift at that point of the lift. Performing
muscle groups are disadvantaged, possibly because of
lockouts improperly on a regular basis could potentially have
anatomic (bone architecture and alignment) and mechanical
a negative affect on the deadlift technique. Also, poor
(resultant muscle forces and moments) factors specific to that
technique may inhibit the recruitment process of the involved
region. The ‘‘sticking point’’ is a position common to each lift
musculature in regard to the biomechanical factors affecting
but occurred at 2 distinctly different locations during the
muscle force production. Contrary with popular belief,
ascent. Three absolute conclusions are drawn from the data,
deadlifts should not be eliminated from training programs
supporting reasons why the lifts are different: a) evidence
and replaced with squat exercises. Rather, the deadlift should
indicates that the squat represents a synergistic or simulta-
be properly and strategically placed in a periodized training
neous movement, whereas the deadlift demonstrates a se-
regimen to maximize performance results. In conclusion, on
quential or segmented movement; b) both lifts demonstrate
the basis of the findings from this analysis, the best way to
different sticking point locations, indicating different lifting
improve the deadlift is to deadlift.
strategies supported by angular position and kinematic
measurements; and c) the squat and deadlift exhibited
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