A systematic review on the muscular activation on the lower limbs with five different variations of the deadlift exercise

Abstract

The deadlift is one of the most widely used resistance exercises by different types of trainees and with different aims including aesthetics, performance and health. There are numerous variations of the deadlift exercise which have different effects on the exercise biomechanics and muscular activation. The main objective of this research was to systematically review the literature looking forward to gathering data on the muscular activation on the lower limbs with different variations of the deadlift exercise (conventional, sumo, Romanian, straight legs and hex-bar). 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Quality of the articles was assessed through the PEDro scale. Main findings were that deadlift is a posteriorchain dominant exercise. Changes in activation between the variations majorly depend on the hip flexion in relation to the knee flexion. For instance, the straight-legs deadlift does not involve knee flexion and mainly activates hip extensors. Other factors such as the distance between the load and the centre of mass, the knee flexion planes, or the total intensity also condition the muscular activation. For example, the hex-bar deadlift allows the subject being in alignment with the load and performing the exercise with relatively vertical back, which provokes an increase on the activation of the knee extensors. In conclusion, this study may help the strength and conditioning professionals and practitioners with the exercise selection depending on the muscular targets and the individual characteristics of the athlete.

Exploring of two different equated instability resistance training programs on measure of physical fitness and lower limb asymmetry in pre-pubertal weightlifters

“…This measure is also reported in the literature as the degree of mechanical tension [18]. The four exercises performed were the back and front half-squat [29,37], forward lunge and deadlift [15]. According to previous research [38], rest intervals of 3 min between sets were ensured in both training methods.…”

“…When prescribing resistance exercise for youth, it is essential to consider program variables, e.g., intensity, repetitions, sets and training frequency [3,13,14]. These variables can all be modified depending on the subject's characteristics to emphasize different adaptations [15,16]. To the authors' knowledge, there is no study available that examined the effects of various adjustments of program variables (i.e., percentage of repetition maximum and volume) in IRT on selected balance, muscle strength and power in young weightlifters who have less developed neuromuscular system than adults [17].…”

Exploring of Two Different Equated Instability Resistance Training Programs on Balance and Muscle Strength and Power Performance in Pre-pubertal Weightlifters

“…This measure is also reported in the literature as the degree of mechanical tension [38]. The four exercises performed were the back and front half-squat [30,39], forward lunge and deadlift [40]. Bearing in mind that fatigue can decrease the power output and increase the risk of injury [41], rest intervals of 3 minutes between sets were ensured.…”

Comparison of Kinematics and Myoelectrical Activity during Deadlift, with and without Variable Banded Resistance, in Healthy, Trained Athletes

“…The deadlift is a compound exercise that involves extending the hips to lift an object from the ground to a standing position [2,3]. It recruits the entire posterior chain musculature, benefiting strength, endurance, power, and various muscle groups [4][5][6]. The deadlift is a closed-chain, multi-joint exercise that enhances functional fitness and targets muscles from the head to the feet [1,5,7].The deadlift, originally known as the "health lift",…”