Comparison of lower extremity EMG between the 2-leg squat and modified single-leg squat in female athletes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare EMG activity of selected hip and knee muscle groups in female athletes performing a modified single-leg squat and the 2-leg squat using the same relative intensity.


METHODS
Eleven Division I female athletes from a variety of sports (soccer, softball, and track) completed the study. EMG measurements were taken as the subjects completed 3 parallel repetitions at 85% of their 3-repetition maximum on each exercise. Mean and mean peak EMG data from the gluteus medius, hamstrings, and quadriceps and the quadriceps:hamstrings EMG ratio were compared between the 2 exercises.


RESULTS
Statistically higher mean (P < .01) and mean peak (P < .05) gluteus medius and mean and mean peak (P < .01) hamstring EMG activity occurred during the modified single-leg squat. The 2-leg squat produced higher mean and mean peak (P < .05) quadriceps activity and a higher quadriceps:hamstrings EMG ratio (P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Muscle-recruitment patterns appear to differ between the 2 types of squat exercises when performed at the same relative intensity by female athletes.
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Kevin
K
McCurdy
Erin
E
O'Kelley
Matt
M
Kutz
George
G
Langford
James
J
Ernest
Marcos
M
Torres
D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult