Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat

The objective of this study was to compare the 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) performance in the parallel squat exercise with a low-bar vs. a high-bar technique and to analyze the gender differences. A secondary objective was to analyze the differences in the force–velocity profile between the low- and h...

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Main Authors: Manuel González, Archit Navandar, José M. González-Ravé, Roberto Ojeda, Fernando González-Mohíno, Daniel Juárez Santos-García
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3143
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author Manuel González
Archit Navandar
José M. González-Ravé
Roberto Ojeda
Fernando González-Mohíno
Daniel Juárez Santos-García
author_facet Manuel González
Archit Navandar
José M. González-Ravé
Roberto Ojeda
Fernando González-Mohíno
Daniel Juárez Santos-García
author_sort Manuel González
collection DOAJ
description The objective of this study was to compare the 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) performance in the parallel squat exercise with a low-bar vs. a high-bar technique and to analyze the gender differences. A secondary objective was to analyze the differences in the force–velocity profile between the low- and high-bar squat technique. Nineteen recreational strength-trained participants, 9 men (22 ± 1.9 years, 79.4 ± 13.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.11 m) and 10 women (27.6 ± 3.12 years, 60.4 ± 5.0 kg, 1.67 ± 0.5 m), participated in this study. All participants performed two evaluations of the 1RM and the force–velocity curve in parallel squat exercises, separated by a week, one with a high bar and the other with a low bar technique. The level of significance set for this study was <i>p</i> < 0.05. The technical × gender interaction was not significant in any of the three variables analyzed: lifted load, mean propulsive velocity, and force. A difference (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the lifted load and the mean force is observed between the techniques at 1RM, being in both cases (men and women) better in the low-bar performance. A difference (<i>p</i> < 0.001) was observed in relation to the technique × participation interaction when comparing the mean velocity and force obtained with the same absolute submaximal loads in each of the techniques. These data may guide a better and more precise organization of training when performing the squat exercise and differentiating the techniques to be used, using the low bar when the main objective is strength or power training.
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spelling doaj-art-df39f089ff6c4b9a8a41c223689d7c022025-08-20T02:42:38ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01156314310.3390/app15063143Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar SquatManuel González0Archit Navandar1José M. González-Ravé2Roberto Ojeda3Fernando González-Mohíno4Daniel Juárez Santos-García5Sports Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, SpainFaculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, SpainSports Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, SpainDepartment of Physical Education, Universidad de Las Palmas, 35015 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, SpainSports Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, SpainSports Training Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Castilla La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, SpainThe objective of this study was to compare the 1 Repetition Maximum (RM) performance in the parallel squat exercise with a low-bar vs. a high-bar technique and to analyze the gender differences. A secondary objective was to analyze the differences in the force–velocity profile between the low- and high-bar squat technique. Nineteen recreational strength-trained participants, 9 men (22 ± 1.9 years, 79.4 ± 13.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.11 m) and 10 women (27.6 ± 3.12 years, 60.4 ± 5.0 kg, 1.67 ± 0.5 m), participated in this study. All participants performed two evaluations of the 1RM and the force–velocity curve in parallel squat exercises, separated by a week, one with a high bar and the other with a low bar technique. The level of significance set for this study was <i>p</i> < 0.05. The technical × gender interaction was not significant in any of the three variables analyzed: lifted load, mean propulsive velocity, and force. A difference (<i>p</i> < 0.001) in the lifted load and the mean force is observed between the techniques at 1RM, being in both cases (men and women) better in the low-bar performance. A difference (<i>p</i> < 0.001) was observed in relation to the technique × participation interaction when comparing the mean velocity and force obtained with the same absolute submaximal loads in each of the techniques. These data may guide a better and more precise organization of training when performing the squat exercise and differentiating the techniques to be used, using the low bar when the main objective is strength or power training.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3143strengthforcevelocitytrainingpowerlifting
spellingShingle Manuel González
Archit Navandar
José M. González-Ravé
Roberto Ojeda
Fernando González-Mohíno
Daniel Juárez Santos-García
Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
Applied Sciences
strength
force
velocity
training
powerlifting
title Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
title_full Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
title_fullStr Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
title_full_unstemmed Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
title_short Comparative Analysis of Performance in the High-Bar vs. Low-Bar Squat
title_sort comparative analysis of performance in the high bar vs low bar squat
topic strength
force
velocity
training
powerlifting
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/3143
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