The effects of squat variations on strength and quadriceps hypertrophy adaptations in recreationally trained females

Abstract

The barbell squat is a multijoint exercise often employed by athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its beneficial effects on functional and morphological neuromuscular adaptations. This study compared the effects of squat variations on lower limb muscle strength and hypertrophy adaptations. Twenty‐four recreationally trained females were assigned to a 12‐week front squat (FS; n = 12) or back squat (BS; n = 12) resistance training protocol (twice per week). Maximum dynamic strength (1‐RM) on the 45° leg press, a nonspecific strength test, and muscle thickness of the proximal, middle, and distal portions of the lateral thigh were assessed at baseline and post‐training. A significant time versus group interaction was observed for 1‐RM values (F(1,22) = 10.53; p = 0.0004), indicating that BS training elicits greater improvements in muscle strength compared with FS training (p = 0.048). No time versus group interactions were found for muscle thickness (F(1,22) = 0.103; p = 0.752); however, there was a significant main effect of time for the proximal (F(1,22) = 7.794; p = 0.011), middle (F(1,22) = 7.091; p = 0.014), and distal portions (F(1,22) = 7.220; p = 0.013) of the lateral thigh. There were no between‐group differences for any muscle thickness portion (proximal: p = 0.971; middle: p = 0.844; and distal: p = 0.510). Our findings suggest that BS elicits greater improvements in lower limb muscle strength on the 45° leg press than FS, but hypertrophic adaptations are similar regardless of variations during the squat exercise.