Neuromuscular response differences to power vs strength back squat exercise in elite athletes

The study’s aim was to establish the neuromuscular responses in elite athletes during and following maximal ‘explosive’ regular back squat exercise at heavy, moderate and light loads. Ten elite track and field athletes completed 10 sets of 5 maximal squat repetitions on three separate days. Knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD) and evoked peak twitch force (Pt) assessments were made pre- and post-session. Surface electromyography amplitude (RMS) and mechanical measurements were made continuously during all repetitions. The heavy session resulted in the greatest repetition impulse in comparison to moderate and light sessions (p