title: Effect of supportive equipment on force, velocity, and power in the squat.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine various kinetic and kinematic variables associated with squats without and with the use of a squat suit (SS). No previous investigation has examined the effect of an SS on squat performance. Participants were 8 elite or professional level male powerlifters (height = 178.59 ± 3.5 cm; body mass = 106.8 ± 30.4 kg; age = 25 ± 2.2 years; mean 1 repetition maximum [1RM] =197.7 ± 53 kg). Subjects participated in 3 testing sessions, with the first session involving a 1RM squat without a squat suit (NSS). Sessions 2 and 3 involved a testing session completing 2 trials in the squat at 3 intensities (80, 90, and 100% of 1RM) either without (NSS) or with an SS. The session and order of the intensities were all randomized. Force-time, velocity-time, and power-time graphs were calculated from data from a force plate and 2 linear position transducers attached to the barbell. Peak eccentric force was significantly higher during SS at 100% of 1RM (NSS-100 = 3196.2 ± 470.6, SS-100 = 3369.7 ± 589.9 N). Peak concentric velocity was significantly higher during SS in comparison to NSS at all intensities. Peak concentric power was significantly higher during SS at 80% of 1RM (NSS-80 = 1566.5 ± 388.4 W, SS-80 = 1770.4 ± 483.2 W) and 90% of 1RM (NSS-90 = 1493.1 ± 296.2 W, SS-90 = 1723.8 ± 449.5 W). The current investigation has demonstrated significantly different kinetic and kinematic characteristics between squats without (NSS) and with an SS, which could ultimately aid in enhancing squat performance.
authors.affiliation: Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Justin A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Blatnik
authors.forename: Jared W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: McBride
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003020:Clothing; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011312:Pressure; D014159:Transducers; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*