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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
the TM
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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