EFFECT OF LOAD AND VARIOUS EQUIPMENT MODALITIES ON BACK SQUAT BIOMECHANICS IN ELITE POWERLIFTERS

This study compared back squat biomechanics in elite powerlifters under various equipment and intensity manipulations. Eleven elite powerlifters performed back squats in the following conditions: belt only (Raw), belt and elastic band attached to the bar (Band), and competition attire consisting of a belt, knee wraps, and squat suit (Equipped). In Raw lifts, back angle and hip moment at minimum upward velocity increased as intensity increased. Maximum hip moment at minimum upward velocity was greater in the Raw compared to the Band lift. Back angle, total hip moment at the bottom position, and total knee moment at the minimum upward velocity was greater in the Equipped compared to the Raw lifts. Overall, the Band condition was biomechanically similar to the Raw lifts. However, the Equipped condition displayed substantial biomechanical differences compared to the Raw condition