2015, Volume 7, Issue 3

The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon



Jonathan Sinclair1, Chris Edmundson1, Stephen Atkins1, Paul John Taylor2, Hayley Vincent3

1Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, School of Sport Tourism and Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire
2School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire
3Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, School of Sport Tourism and Outdoors, , University of Central Lancashire


Author for correspondence: Jonathan Sinclair; Division of Sport Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, School of Sport Tourism and Outdoors, University of Central Lancashire; email: Jksinclair[at]uclan.ac.uk

DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

Full text

Abstract

Background: A primary technique in the discipline of strength and conditioning the squat has two principal ‘back and front’ variants. Despite the physiological and strength benefits of the squat, the propensity for musculoskeletal injury is high. The current investigation examined the influence of the front and back squat variations on the load experienced by the Achilles tendon.
Material/Methods: Achilles tendon loads were obtained from eighteen experienced male participants as they completed both back and front squats. Differences between squat conditions were examined using Bonferroni adjusted (p = 0.0125) paired t-tests.
Results: The results showed that the peak Achilles tendon load was significantly greater in the back squat (2.67 ±0.74 B.W) condition compared to the front squat (2.37 ±0.69 B.W).
Conclusions: Given the proposed relationship between the magnitude of the load experienced by the Achilles tendon and tendon pathology, the back squat appears to place lifters at greater risk from Achilles tendon injury. Therefore, it may be prudent for lifters who are predisposed to Achilles tendon pathology to utilize the front squat in their training.


Key words: biomechanics, squat, tendinopathy


Cite this article as:

AMA:

Sinclair J, Edmundson C, Atkins S et al. The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon. Balt J Health Phys Activ. 2015;7(3):7-12. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

APA:

Sinclair, J., Edmundson, C.., Atkins, S.., Taylor, P.J., & Vincent, H. (2015). The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 7(3), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

Chicago:

Sinclair, Jonathan, Edmundson Chris , Atkins Stephen , Taylor Paul John, Vincent Hayley. 2015. "The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon". Balt J Health Phys Activ 7 (3): 7-12. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

Harvard:

Sinclair, J., Edmundson, C.., Atkins, S.., Taylor, P.J., and Vincent, H. (2015). The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon. Balt J Health Phys Activ, 7(3), pp.7-12. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

MLA:

Sinclair, Jonathan et al. "The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon." Balt J Health Phys Activ, vol. 7, no. 3, 2015, pp. 7-12. doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01

Vancouver:

Sinclair J, Edmundson C, Atkins S et al. The effect of front and back squat techniques on peak loads experienced by the Achilles tendon. Balt J Health Phys Activ 2015; 7(3): 7-12. Available from: doi:10.29359/BJHPA.07.3.01