IMPROVED MUSCLE ACTIVATION IN PERFORMING A BODY WEIGHT LUNGE COMPARED TO THE TRADITIONAL BACK SQUAT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle activity during the body weight lunge and back squat at three depths, 90°, 60°, and 30°. Eight female collegiate athletes volunteered for the study. Each participant performed 5 squats at each depth and the body weight lunge. Surface EMG data and video were recorded to analyze the motion. The lunge activated most of the lower muscles greater than the squat. Sport performance is often initiated from a ready stance, similar to that of the squat however, upon movement the athlete typically steps into a lunged position. Therefore, with the similarities in sport motion to that of the lunge, and equal if not greater activation of the lower extremity, the lunge is an ideal activity to train athletes.