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Artigo Agachamento Smith Vs Livre
Artigo Agachamento Smith Vs Livre
ABSTRACT by beginners and require spotters less often than free weight
exercise (5). Few studies have compared free weight and
Schwanbeck, S, Chilibeck, PD, and Binsted, G. A comparison
machine exercises of similar movement pattern to determine
of free weight squat to smith machine squat using electro-
which is optimal for muscle activation.
myography. J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2588–2591, 2009—
Free weight squat is one of the most popular exercises used
The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether free by strength-trained athletes for training leg musculature.
weight or Smith machine squats were optimal for activating The Smith machine allows one to perform a similar type of
the prime movers of the legs and the stabilizers of the legs and movement, where the barbell is stabilized in 2 parallel tracks,
the trunk. Six healthy participants performed 1 set of 8 repeti- allowing a more stable exercise. Anderson and Behm (1)
tions (using a weight they could lift 8 times, i.e., 8RM, or compared electromyographic (EMG) activity during squat
8 repetition maximum) for each of the free weight squat and exercises using free weights and the Smith machine. They
Smith machine squat in a randomized order with a minimum of found that there was a trend for EMG activity of the trunk
3 days between sessions, while electromyographic (EMG) musculature to be greater during the free weight squat;
activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus medialis, however, EMG activity of the quadriceps (i.e., vastus
lateralis) was highest during the Smith machine squats.
vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, lumbar erector spinae, and
One limitation of this study was that the same absolute
rectus abdominus were simultaneously measured. Electromyo-
weight was used for both exercises. The relative intensity
graphic activity was significantly higher by 34, 26, and 49 in the
during the most stable condition (i.e., Smith machine squats)
gastrocnemius, biceps femoris, and vastus medialis, respec- would have been low because muscle force production
tively, during the free weight squat compared to the Smith during this movement is superior to the more unstable free
machine squat (p , 0.05). There were no significant differences weight squat (3). The purpose of the current study was to
between free weight and Smith machine squat for any of the reassess EMG activity of prime movers and stabilizers during
other muscles; however, the EMG averaged over all muscles the squat exercise using free weights and the Smith machine
during the free weight squat was 43% higher when compared where the load lifted was the maximal one could lift over
to the Smith machine squat (p , 0.05). The free weight squat 8 repetitions on each exercise (i.e., loads were set relative to
may be more beneficial than the Smith machine squat for each exercise; therefore, different absolute loads were used).
individuals who are looking to strengthen plantar flexors, knee We believe this has greater applicability to actual resistance-
training situations when one is selecting training loads to
flexors, and knee extensors.
achieve a desired number of repetitions. It was hypothesized
KEY WORDS vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, that (a) in a stable environment (Smith machine) prime
tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius movers (i.e., muscles of the upper leg) activity would be
higher and (b) in an unstable environment (free weight)
INTRODUCTION stabilizer (i.e., muscles of the trunk and lower leg) activity
would be higher.
F
ree weights are generally preferred over machines
by body builders and strength-trained athletes
because they are thought to provide a more METHODS
unstable exercise, requiring a greater recruitment Experimental Approach to the Problem
of trunk musculature (5). Machines, however, are easier to use This study was designed to compare electromyographic
activity of the legs (i.e., tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus
medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris) and trunk stabilizers
Address correspondence to Philip D. Chilibeck, phil.chilibeck@usask.ca. (i.e., lumbar erector spinae and rectus abdominus) during free
23(9)/2588–2591 weight and Smith machine squat exercises to determine
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research which exercise was optimal for activating musculature.
Ó 2009 National Strength and Conditioning Association Resistance was selected for each exercise to achieve
the TM
8 maximal repetitions (8RM) to match what a typical session so that identical electrode placement could be used
strength-trained athlete would select during a training set. during the second testing session. Identical amplification was
used for each collection period within individual subjects.
Subjects
Intraclass correlation coefficients for EMG MAV for test–
Six healthy participants (3 males and 3 females, 22 6 1.2 years,
retest reliability (i.e., at least 3 days apart for the 6 individuals)
171 6 12 cm, 71.5 6 12.7 kg), all with previous strength
were 0.93 for tibialis anterior, 0.95 for gastrocnemius, 0.80
training experience (2–5 years), were involved in this study.
for vastus lateralis, 0.84 for vastus medialis, 0.82 for biceps
All participants were active in sports (i.e., basketball, track, or
femoris, 0.90 for medial rectus abdominus, and 0.67 for erector
squash) and had trained on both free weights and machines.
spinae.
All participants were currently involved in resistance training
Participants were required to attend 2 pre-experimental
at least 3 days per week. The study took place from January to
exercise testing sessions during which a weight that could
March. Subjects were informed of the experimental risks and
be lifted for 8 repetitions during a squat exercise using free
signed an informed consent document prior to the inves-
weights (i.e., a barbell and weights) and the Smith machine
tigation. The investigation was approved by an Institutional
were determined. This process consisted of performing 2 to 3
Review Board for use of human subjects.
warm-up sets and then 2 to 3 working sets. The working sets
Procedures consisted of choosing a weight that the participants thought
Each participant performed 8RM of Smith machine squat and they could do for 8 repetitions and was adjusted throughout
free weight squat with the order randomized while EMG these sets to meet the desired repetitions. Rest intervals were 4
activity of 7 muscles was assessed. Testing sessions were at to 5 minutes between sets. The Smith machine was composed
least 3 days apart. of a rack that fully supports a regular Olympic barbell,
Recording sites for EMG were prepared by shaving the therefore completely stabilizing the barbell. The barbell can
area and wiping with alcohol pads to decrease electrical be moved up and down the rack so that the user can perform
impedance. Electrodes were placed on the dominant side of a variety of exercises including squats. Approximately 1 week
the participant’s body; this was the right side for all 6 later participants were randomly assigned to perform 8
participants. Electrodes were placed two thirds distally repetitions of squat exercise with free weights or the Smith
between the greater trochanter and the lateral condyle on machine while their EMG activity was recorded. Participants
the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, mid-belly of the biceps returned within a minimum of 3 days to have their muscle
femoris parallel to the quadriceps landmark, distal part of the activity measured while performing 8 repetitions on the
lateral head of the gastrocnemius, mid-belly of the tibialis opposite exercise. We chose to make comparisons between
anterior, medial rectus abdominus (approximately 6 cm the 2 training modes with the same relative load (i.e., 8RM)
superior and 4 cm lateral of the umbilicus), and lumbar erector rather than the same absolute load because this provides
spinae (approximately 6 cm lateral to the L1-L2 spinous a greater simulation of real-life training practices (i.e., one
processes). For the purpose of this study the prime movers usually aims for a given number of repetitions, rather than
were considered the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and selecting the same absolute load, when training for 2 different
biceps femoris. The lower-limb stabilizers included the tibialis exercises). This resulted in a heavier weight used (by 14–
anterior and lateral gastrocnemius. The trunk stabilizers 23 kg) by each individual on the Smith machine compared to
included the rectus abdominus and the lumbar erector spinae. the free weight squat. Each testing session consisted of 2 to 3
Ground sites included the tibial tuberosity, iliac crest, and warm-up sets with light weight and 1 working set. One
lateral malleolus of the fibula. repetition was performed prior to the working set with
The EMG main amplifier unit included single differential the appropriate weight for 8 repetitions. This allowed the
electrodes with a bandwidth of 10 Hz to 1,000 Hz. The overall amplification of the EMG to be adjusted to prevent saturated
amplification or gain per channel was between 5,000 and signals. Participants were reminded of the basic squatting
10,000 dB and was set according to individual subjects to technique but were encouraged to use their natural technique
maximize the digital range without saturating the signal. The they were accustomed to from their previous experiences.
electrodes were Ag/AgCl surface electrodes (2.4 cm 3 2.4 Participants were instructed to go to approximately 90
cm) spaced 2 cm apart and aligned parallel to muscle fiber degrees of knee flexion and were given feedback when this
orientation. The EMG was recorded as raw EMG (V) and was achieved.
stored in the computer for analysis. The sampling rate was set
at 500 Hz for 60 seconds. After data collection, the raw EMG Statistical Analyses
data were used to calculate a mean absolute value (MAV) for A repeated measures analysis of variance (with mode of
each repetition in the 8RM. The EMG signal was not testing: free weights vs. Smith machine as the factor) for each
normalized because the experiment was a repeated-measures of the 7 muscle groups was used (Statistica Version 6.0
design comparing within individuals. Testing sessions were at Chicago, Illinois, USA). Statistical significance for all anal-
least 3 days apart for the 2 conditions. A permanent marker yses was set at p # 0.05. Data are reported as means 6
was used to identify electrode placement on the first testing standard deviation.
during movements such as the squat, which involve both of average difference in activation of 47% for males and 37%
these joints and would be activated to a greater extent during for females).
a more unstable movement (7).
In contrast to Anderson and Behm (1), we did not find the PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Smith machine squat to be superior for activation of the knee We found a 43% higher muscle activation during the free
extensors (i.e., vastus lateralis). Our free weight squat elicited weight squat compared to the Smith machine squat.
higher activity of the vastus medialis and a trend for higher Activation of the knee extensors and flexors and ankle
activity of the vastus lateralis (p = 0.057) compared to the plantar flexors were higher during free weight squat, whereas
Smith machine squat. This result was contrary to our hypo- activation of the trunk stabilizers was similar across the 2
thesis, which was based on the fact that one can lift exercises. This indicates that the free weight squat may be
heavier loads during the Smith machine exercise because of superior to the Smith machine squat for training the major
the greater stability (3). The higher vastus medialis and vastus muscle groups of the legs and possibly would result in greater
lateralis recruitment during the free weight squat may be strength development and hypertrophy of these muscle
attributed to the potential increase in the stabilization roles groups with long-term training.
these muscles play during this exercise.
One might postulate that there would be higher activation
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
of trunk musculature during the more unstable free weight
exercise compared with the more stable Smith machine We would like to acknowledge Doug Jacobson and Heather
exercise (1,5); however, our findings indicate the differences Whelan for their technical help and the participants who
only existed in activation of leg musculature. There were volunteered their time for this study.
trends for trunk musculature to have higher activation during
the free weight squat; however, the differences when REFERENCES
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