ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY OF THE LOWER LIMB MUSCLES DURING SQUAT EXERCISE AND ITS DERIVATIVES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

Electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles during squats: review & meta-analysis

Authors

  • Adrián García-Valverde Faculty of Health Sciences. International University Isabel I of Castile, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1598-5212
  • Jacobo Ángel Rubio-Arias Health Research Centre. Faculty of Education Sciences. University of Almería, Spain
  • José M. Oliva-Lozano Health Research Centre. Faculty of Education Sciences. University of Almería, Spain
  • Tiago D. Ribeiro CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5602-048X
  • José M. Muyor Health Research Centre. Faculty of Education Sciences. University of Almería, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2849-0323

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v20i66.2261

Abstract

The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess electromyographic activity in various types of squats to provide insights for training recommendations and injury prevention. Eight studies were reviewed, seven included in the meta-analysis, comparing back, front, overhead, and belt squats. Overall, no significant differences in muscle activation were found among squat types, with standardized mean differences ranging from -0.49 to 0.66. Specifically, front and back squats showed similar electromyographic activity levels. Limited evidence for overhead and belt squats prevented comprehensive comparisons, but one study indicated lower activity in back squats compared to overhead squats (-0.47) and similar levels compared to belt squats (0.09). The study quality was moderate, with robustness and absence of publication bias noted. This analysis underscores the complexity of muscle engagement during different squat variations, suggesting that training emphasis on specific muscles should consider individual needs and goals.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

García-Valverde, A., Rubio-Arias, J. Ángel, Oliva-Lozano, J. . M., Ribeiro, T. D., & Muyor, J. M. (2025). ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY OF THE LOWER LIMB MUSCLES DURING SQUAT EXERCISE AND ITS DERIVATIVES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS: Electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles during squats: review & meta-analysis. Cultura, Ciencia Y Deporte, 20(66). https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v20i66.2261

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 66 (2025)

Section

Artículos / Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Creative Commons Attribution License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

The authors who publish in this journal agree with the following terms:

  • The authors retain the copyright and guarantee the journal the right to be the first publication of the work as well as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with recognition of the authorship of the work and the initial publication in this journal.