J Appl Biomech February 2016 PMID 26252837

A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and Front Squat Variations in Resistance-Trained Females.

Bret Contreras, Andrew D Vigotsky, Brad J Schoenfeld, Chris Beardsley, John Cronin

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Mentions

49
Peak: 11 in Jul 2023
across 5 sources since Apr 2019

Extended reach

90,342
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Apr 2019 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions focus on specific findings, like comparable EMG amplitudes across squat variations, with comments such as 'front squats may offer similar benefits at lower loads' and 'usefulness for ACL rehab,' which highlight practical relevance. The tone remains informative and mildly enthusiastic, emphasizing data-driven insights while acknowledging that these results support interchangeable use of squat styles.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts acknowledge the study's finding that different squat variations produce similar muscle activation, reflecting moderate support.

InterestModerate interest

Discussions indicate a general curiosity about the practical implications for training, showing some engagement but not deep excitement.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts reference research methodology and application, such as mentions of EMG activity and training protocols, indicating active reflection without deep controversy.

ImpactModerate impact

The emphasis on how this research can influence exercise choices and training programs suggests a moderate influence on practitioners.

Abstract in brief

  • The study compared muscle activation (using EMG) between full and parallel front squats in resistance-trained women and found no significant differences in muscle engagement among the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis during the two variations.
  • Both squat styles elicited similar EMG amplitudes, suggesting they can be used interchangeably for similar training stimulus, although full range of motion is generally recommended for better training benefits.
  • Despite using lighter loads, the front squat may offer a training effect comparable to the back squat, making it a viable alternative for resistance training.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Jozo Grgic
@Jozo_Grgic · X

A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and Front Squat Variations in Resistance-Trained Females https://t.co/fiQxBa6j9b

Jul 27, 2023 · 44 likes · 12 shares · 5,481 followers View post →
Joel Seedman
@SeedmanJoel · X

@ap_coach @greatnesswins https://t.co/i4T3GmHXU9 . . https://t.co/DbKWaOppq7 . . https://t.co/j0o4vkV66h . . https://t.co/Os7kRMrNj2 . . https://t.co/yJtmZyGx97 . . https://t.co/h6aZw6coBd . . https://t.co/MIh2PgCWNq .

Nov 15, 2025 · 2 likes · 6,055 followers View post →
Dan Ogborn
@DanOgborn · X

Front squats have comparable quad EMG activity at lower training loads than back squats - why I often opt for front before back squats in our ACLr patients. https://t.co/45kUsDuwjl

Aug 2, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,537 followers View post →
@Ap_Coach Amedio
@ap_coach · X

@Hewett1Tim recently applied programming to est post chain devmt'al approp. & provided effective transfer to Fr. SQ in♂️athletes! Article sugg' Bk=Fr "fr sq may provide sim stim to Back" given♀️knee angle

Aug 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 1,410 followers View post →
William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyographic Activity in the Back Squat and Barbell Hip Thrust Exercises https://t.co/0jSOFVcm6z https://t.co/l61zEWHyKR

May 28, 2025 · 1 like · 3,063 followers View post →
Coach Gilmar Oliveira
@Gilmar94048731 · X

https://t.co/SvqUPOsgnq

Nov 22, 2020 · 1 like · 49 followers View post →

All mentions

Joel Seedman
@SeedmanJoel · X

@ap_coach @greatnesswins https://t.co/i4T3GmHXU9 . . https://t.co/DbKWaOppq7 . . https://t.co/j0o4vkV66h . . https://t.co/Os7kRMrNj2 . . https://t.co/yJtmZyGx97 . . https://t.co/h6aZw6coBd . . https://t.co/MIh2PgCWNq .

Nov 15, 2025 · 2 likes · 6,055 followers View post →
William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyographic Activity in the Back Squat and Barbell Hip Thrust Exercises https://t.co/0jSOFVcm6z https://t.co/l61zEWHyKR

May 28, 2025 · 1 like · 3,063 followers View post →
Tim Hewett
@Hewett1Tim · X

RT @ap_coach: @Hewett1Tim recently applied programming to est post chain devmt'al approp. & provided effective transfer to Fr. SQ in♂️athl…

Aug 4, 2023 · 1 share · 10,004 followers View post →
@Ap_Coach Amedio
@ap_coach · X

@Hewett1Tim recently applied programming to est post chain devmt'al approp. & provided effective transfer to Fr. SQ in♂️athletes! Article sugg' Bk=Fr "fr sq may provide sim stim to Back" given♀️knee angle

Aug 4, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 1,410 followers View post →
Dan Ogborn
@DanOgborn · X

Front squats have comparable quad EMG activity at lower training loads than back squats - why I often opt for front before back squats in our ACLr patients. https://t.co/45kUsDuwjl

Aug 2, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,537 followers View post →
Francesco Sartori
@Frenk_sartori99 · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 29, 2023 · 12 shares · 15 followers View post →
Javed Alam
@jalam1001 · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 1,009 followers View post →
Arlete Bernal fisio
@arlete_bernal · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 195 followers View post →
OMV
@OMVSportMed · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 135 followers View post →
Mateus
@wilsonmateuss · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 30 followers View post →
daniel venancio
@paulinovenancio · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 178 followers View post →
mrcharliedeangel
@physioTsarli · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 177 followers View post →
H. W. P.
@Hong_Physio · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 28, 2023 · 12 shares · 101 followers View post →
Jason Roe
@Roe_JasonT · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 27, 2023 · 12 shares · 1,385 followers View post →
Ariel Nascimento PT
@Ariel_nasc · X

RT @Jozo_Grgic: A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and…

Jul 27, 2023 · 12 shares · 176 followers View post →
Jozo Grgic
@Jozo_Grgic · X

A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude in the Parallel, Full, and Front Squat Variations in Resistance-Trained Females https://t.co/fiQxBa6j9b

Jul 27, 2023 · 44 likes · 12 shares · 5,481 followers View post →
Coach Gilmar Oliveira
@coachgilmar1 · X

RT @Gilmar94048731: Uma comparação da amplitude eletromiográfica do glúteo máximo, bíceps femoral e vasto lateral nas variações paralelas,…

Jun 10, 2023 · 1 share · 180 followers View post →
DanielDeeMusica
@DanielDeeMusica · X

https://t.co/0UZ94Dx92r This suggests there’s actually no significant difference in glute or quad development based on depth bro! Just thought I’d share! https://t.co/tWpTUfaKMr

Aug 18, 2022 · 560 followers View post →
IDV · Instituto Deporte y Vida
@InsDeporteyVida · X

Aug 12, 2022 · 1,428 followers View post →
Coach Gilmar Oliveira
@Gilmar94048731 · X

Uma comparação da amplitude eletromiográfica do glúteo máximo, bíceps femoral e vasto lateral nas variações paralelas, completas e de agachamento frontal em mulheres treinadas com resistência Bret Contreras et al. (2016) https://t.co/FFg59JTCAT

Feb 21, 2021 · 1 share · 49 followers View post →
Coach Gilmar Oliveira
@Gilmar94048731 · X

Uma comparação da amplitude eletromiográfica do glúteo máximo, bíceps femoral e vasto lateral nas variações paralelas, completas e de agachamento frontal em mulheres treinadas com resistência https://t.co/SvqUPOsgnq

Jan 28, 2021 · 49 followers View post →
Coach Gilmar Oliveira
@Gilmar94048731 · X

https://t.co/SvqUPOsgnq

Nov 22, 2020 · 1 like · 49 followers View post →
sportsperformancePhD
@sportsperforma6 · X

Contreras, B., Vigotsky, A. D., Schoenfeld, B. J., Beardsley, C., & Cronin, J. (2015). A comparison of gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis electromyographic activity in the back squat and barbell hip thrust exercises. Journal of applied biomechanics, 31(6), https://t.co/6KTVZlhyJy

Apr 20, 2019 · 2 followers View post →
sportsperformancePhD
@sportsperforma6 · X

Contreras, B., Vigotsky, A. D., Schoenfeld, B. J., Beardsley, C., & Cronin, J. (2015). A comparison of gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis electromyographic activity in the back squat and barbell hip thrust exercises. Journal of applied biomechanics, 31(6), https://t.co/jw4L0aeG5b

Apr 20, 2019 · 2 followers View post →
sportsperformancePhD
@sportsperforma6 · X

Contreras, B., Vigotsky, A. D., Schoenfeld, B. J., Beardsley, C., & Cronin, J. (2015). A comparison of gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis electromyographic activity in the back squat and barbell hip thrust exercises. Journal of applied biomechanics, 31(6), https://t.co/EwEDz61UWa

Apr 20, 2019 · 2 followers View post →