The Effect of Different Set Configurations on Concentric Velocities in the Back Squat

• Main Author: Wong, Hanson Philip
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2020
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Kinesiology; Physiology
• ISBN: 9798460457557

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if mean concentric velocities (MCV) of lighter loads in the barbell back squat could be augmented if they are performed after heavier working-sets. Methods: Twelve trained males with experience in the back squat volunteered to perform a 5RM and completed two separate squat sessions consisting of three sets of five repetitions with 85% of their 5RM. One condition involved performing a “Down Set” that was equivalent to 60% of the working-set load that was also performed during the warm-up. A “No Down Set” condition (NDS) involved performing an additional warm-up set with 60% of the working-set load instead of the Down Set to determine if velocity was augmented due to postactivation potentiation in the Down Set (DS) condition. In both conditions, three minutes of rest were applied between all sets. Results: No significant difference was observed in the working-set MCVs in both conditions. Additionally, no significant differences were observed amongst MCVs in the Down Set and equivalent warm-up set loads (p = 0.303). Conclusions: The results of this study did not show an improvement in velocity when a Down Set was performed after heavy working-sets.