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Mehls, K, Grubbs, B, Jin, Y, and Coons, J. Electromyography comparison of sex differences during the back squat. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 310-313, 2022-Currently, there is limited information regarding the muscle activity differences between men and women during the traditional back squat. The back squat is a widely used exercise which stimulates lower-body musculature; thus, information regarding the muscle activity patterns during this exercise is pertinent when prescribing resistance training. This study evaluated muscle activity differences (using surface electromyography) in men and women during the traditional back squat with a load prescribed to elicit strength gains. Resistance-trained men (n 5 14) and women (n 5 14) performed 3 sets of 4 repetitions in the traditional back squat using 85% of their pretest 1 repetition maximum. Muscle activity data were collected for 6 muscles including the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris (BF). Independent sample t tests revealed a significantly higher normalized muscle activity in men in the BF muscle during the descending phase of the back squat. No other muscle activity differences were present between men and women. These results indicate that men activate the BF muscle during the traditional back squat to a greater extent than women. For women, it may be necessary to consider other exercises to optimally stimulate and strengthen the BF muscle during resistance training.

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of incorporating animal-assisted therapy teams (ATT) into a 6-week group exercise program for older adults (77 ± 6 years). Fifteen participants were randomly assigned to an exercise with ATT (E+ATT; n = 8) or exercise only (E; n = 7) group. Groups exercised 3x/week for 45 min. Feasibility was assessed by three objectives: (1) ATT will not need extensive preparation beyond their original therapy training; (2) the study will require minimal cost; and (3) ATT must not impair the effectiveness of the exercise program. By the study conclusion, all objectives were met. Time and cost were minimal for ATT, and adherence was 93% and 90% for E+ATT and E, respectively. There were significant improvements in both groups (p ≤ .05) for arm curls, get-up and go, and 6-min walk. The results of this pilot study suggest that it is feasible to incorporate ATT into group exercise programming for older adults.

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