A Biomechanical Analysis of Front versus Back Squat: Injury Implications

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in trunk and lower limb kinematics between the front and back squat. 2D kinematic data was collected as participants (n = 12) completed three repetitions of both front and back squat exercises at 50 % of their back squat one repetition maximum. Stance width was standardised at 107(±10) % of biacromial breadth. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to examine significant differences in dependent variables between both techniques. Results showed that the back squat exhibited a significantly greater trunk lean than the front squat throughout (p < 0.05) with no differences occurring in knee joint kinematics. The results of this study in conjunction with other squat related literature (Russell et al., 1989) suggest that the back squat gives rise to an increased risk of lower back injury.