BLUF Findings from two studies (Lander et al., 1992; Zink et al., 2001) indicate that weight belts increase intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), improve squat speed, and influence movement velocity but do not significantly alter joint kinematics or muscle activation patterns. IAP may help reduce spinal compression by distributing forces within the trunk. Belted squats were […]
Emmett Shaul
Research Review: Estimating 1-Repetition Maximum for Free-Weight Back Squat Using the 2-Point Method
BLUF A recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research examined a more efficient method for estimating the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the free-weight back squat. The researchers compared nine different 1RM estimation approaches based on velocity recordings, concluding that the 2-Point Method combined with the Optimal Minimal Velocity Threshold (MVT) provided […]