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

Sinclair, JK; Edmundson, C; Atkins, SJ; Taylor, PJ; Vincent, H

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2015
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Dec 7, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 7, 2017
• Journal: Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity
• Electronic ISSN: 2080-9999
• Publisher: De Gruyter
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Publisher URL: http://bjhpa.journalstube.com/view/abstract/id/10814
• Related Public URLs: http://www.balticsportscience.com/