MUSCLE ACTIVATION COMPARISON OF LEG PRESS AND BACK SQUAT BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in relative muscle activation and strength for the leg press and back squat. Experienced lifters (10 women, 9 men) completed a wide and narrow variation of each lift at their 10RM. EMG for 10 muscles (relative to maximum isometric activation) was compared. There was a significant difference in absolute strength between genders, but no difference in relative strength. No differences in muscle activation were found between wide and narrow stances, although some muscles had greater activity in the squat than the leg press. The only gender difference was women having significantly higher vastus lateralis relative activation regardless of lift. Overall, men and women seem to be similar in both relative strength and muscle activation.