Comparison of Muscle Activation Between Back Squats and Belt Squats

Abstract

A machine belt squat is a piece of equipment designed to allow the performance of squats while loading weight on the lifter's hips using a belt. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if belt squats differ from back squats in activation of the primary movers, and to determine the predictive capabilities of back squat load, training status, and anthropometric data on belt squat load. Thirty-one participants (16 males and 15 females) completed anthropometric measurements, a demographic questionnaire, a familiarization visit, and two testing visits, completing a 5 repetition maximum test for back squat and belt squat. Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activation for the left and right vastus medialis (VMO), vastus lateralis (VLO), rectus femoris (RF), and gluteus maximus (GM). Comparison of muscle activation between the two exercises showed significant differences in the left GM (back squat: 0.84 ± 0.45, belt squat: 0.69 ± 0.22, p=0.015) and right GM (back squat: 0.86 ± 0.45, belt squat: 0.71 ± 0.29, p=0.004). Regression analysis computed significant prediction equations for belt squat load for general population, males, females, and advanced lifters. Overall, results indicate that belt squats may significantly differ in GM activation from back squats. Back squat load, as well as other variables, may be effective in accurately estimating appropriate belt squat load. These findings may help to more appropriately program for training with machine belt squats as a back squat alternative.

Activity of Trunk and Lower Extremity Musculature: Comparison Between Parallel Back Squats and Belt Squats

“…Conversely, our findings of decreased GMax activity differed from previous work by Gulick et al (2015). The belt squat machine tested by Gulick et al (2015) operated by allowing the weight to slide along a fixed rod, whereas in this investigation and that by Evans et al (2017), where both observed decreased GMax activation, the load rotated about a pivot. Furthermore, previous literature has shown that when the resistance is along a fixed track, muscle activation is significantly less than a free weight back squat (Schwanbeck et al, 2009).…”

“…The results confirmed that utilizing a belt squat did not alter activation of the lower extremities except for a decrease in the GMax (35.2% impulse and 32.1% peak), GMed (54.1% impulse and 55.2% peak) and BF (12.2% peak). As a whole, our findings of decreased GMax activation (Evans et al, 2017) and no difference in quadriceps activation (Evans et al, 2017;Gulick et al, 2015) are consistent with previous research.…”

“…Similar to Evans et al (2017), we observed a decrease in GMax activation during belt squats as impulse and peak decreased (35.2% and 32.1%, respectively). This is likely due the load being closer to the hip joint, reducing the external moment arm, and thus, decreasing the muscular force required from the hip extensors.…”

“…Given that the load is applied at or just above the pelvis it is reasonable Journal of Human Kinetics -volume 72/2020 http://www.johk.pl that a belt squat may result in decreased muscle activity of the lower back and other trunk stabilizers, yet the extent of these differences is unknown. Previous research found no difference in knee flexors and extensors (Evans et al, 2017;Gulick et al, 2015), hip abductors and adductors (Gulick et al, 2015), and plantarflexors and dorsiflexors (Gulick et al, 2015) between parallel back and belt squats. Interestingly, Evans et al (2017) found a decrease in gluteus maximus activity during belt squats as compared to back squats, whereas Gulick et al (2015) found no difference in gluteus maximus activity between exercises.…”

“…Previous research found no difference in knee flexors and extensors (Evans et al, 2017;Gulick et al, 2015), hip abductors and adductors (Gulick et al, 2015), and plantarflexors and dorsiflexors (Gulick et al, 2015) between parallel back and belt squats. Interestingly, Evans et al (2017) found a decrease in gluteus maximus activity during belt squats as compared to back squats, whereas Gulick et al (2015) found no difference in gluteus maximus activity between exercises. Conflicting results may be due to several factors including use of a different belt squat machine and subject experience with the belt squat.…”