Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Program
Sport Physiology and Performance
Date of Award
8-2026
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Michael Stone
Committee Members
Marco Duca, Satoshi Mizuguchi
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to elucidate the mechanical outputs and acute neuromuscular performance response to different set-rep-loading schemes of the barbell back squat. Eleven resistance trained subjects (9 males, BS 1RM 1.9 ± 0.2 x BW; 2 females, BS 1RM 1.4 ±0.3 x BW) completed the study. Subjects completed 3x10 @ 62.5% 1RM (“Twos”), 3x5 @ 82.5% 1RM (“Fives”), and 3x2 @ 90% 1RM (“Tens”) back squats in randomized, counterbalanced order. To calculate mechanical outputs from each repetition, force data was collected via dual FPs, and displacement data was measured via 4 LPTs. Static jump (SJ) testing was completed with 0 and 20 kg of added load, before and after squatting protocols, to assess changes in neuromuscular status. A mixed three-way ANOVA was used to assess changes in jump performance. Analysis of Total Work utilized a One-Way ANOVA, while the back squat remaining metrics were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVAs. All ANOVAs were based on linear mixed effect models. Critical alpha was set at 𝛼 = 0.05. Results indicate that Twos and Fives produce significantly higher concentric peak force and concentric impulse than Tens, with small to very large effect. Alternatively, Tens elicited significantly higher concentric mean power and propulsive RFD than Twos and Fives, with moderate to very large effect. Total mechanical work revealed statistically significant differences between all conditions with very large effect, indicating that the higher volume protocols create greater amounts of total work. Additionally, SJ testing revealed significant decreases in performance following all conditions, with no differences between conditions. The results indicate that heavier loading elicits higher total forces, which may explain better chronic strength adaptations from heavier training paradigms. Alternatively, power out and RFD is acutely increased in moderate loads of the back squat, when concentric velocity can be optimized. In regards to work - within ecologically sound paradigms, total repetitions completed has the greatest influence on the total mechanical work accomplished. Fatigue response from different training paradigms seems to be highly individual, and practitioners should therefore monitor athletes to understand response to training.
Document Type
Dissertation - embargo
Recommended Citation
Flora, Grayson, "The Acute Kinetic, Kinematic, and Jump Performance Responses to Different Set-Rep-Loading Schemes of the Back Squat" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4715. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4715
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
