The Effect of Different Types of Squat Exercises on Muscle Strength and Muscle Oxygenation

NCT07700641 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: UskudarUUU
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The study was conducted using a randomized controlled trial design. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the "Classic Squat Group" or the "Heel-Elevated Squat Group." Both groups completed an 8-week strength training program consisting of three sessions per week, following the resistance exercise principles recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. The main component of the program was the assigned squat variation. Baseline and post-intervention assessments at 8 weeks were performed according to standardized protocols. Exercise sessions were supervised by an experienced physiotherapist to ensure proper technique and minimize injury risk. Training intensity was progressively increased based on participants' adaptation and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength levels.

Conditions

Exercise Physiology; Muscle Strength and Oxygenation

Keywords

Squat exercise; Resistance training; Muscle strength; Muscle oxygenation; Exercise physiology

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Oxygenation (Moxy Monitor - NIRS)

  Muscle oxygenation was assessed using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based Moxy Monitor. The device was placed on the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps during exercise to continuously and non-invasively record the balance between local oxygen delivery and utilization.

  Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Strength (Isomed 2000 Isokinetic Dynamometer)

  Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

Classic Squat Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed the classic squat exercise as part of an 8-week resistance training program.

Other: Classic Squat Group

Heel-Elevated Squat Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed heel-elevated squat exercise as part of an 8-week resistance training program.

Other: Heel-Elevated Squat Group

Interventions

Classic Squat Group OTHER

Participants in the Classic Squat Group performed a progressive resistance training program three days per week for a total of eight weeks. The squat exercise was performed with full foot contact maintained on a stable ground surface. Training intensity was prescribed at 70-85% of each participant's one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and was progressively adjusted according to individual adaptation. All training sessions were supervised by a physiotherapist to ensure correct technique and safety.

Classic Squat Group

Heel-Elevated Squat Group OTHER

Participants in the Heel-Elevated Squat Group also completed a progressive resistance training program three days per week for eight weeks. The squat exercise was performed using a 20-degree inclined platform placed under the heels. Training intensity was set at 70-85% of each participant's one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and was progressively increased based on individual performance and adaptation. All sessions were conducted under the supervision of a physiotherapist to maintain proper form and reduce injury risk.

Heel-Elevated Squat Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female participants only.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• No musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that would prevent participation in exercise
• Healthy young adults
• No regular lower extremity training participation in the last 6 months

You may not qualify if:

• History of surgery or serious injury to the knee, hip, or ankle joints within the past year
• Presence of any neurological disorder affecting balance or motor control
• Presence of any cardiovascular or pulmonary disease that contraindicates exercise participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uskudar University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Uskudar University

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Links

• Related Info

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor (PhD)

Model Details: A randomized parallel-group design was used. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two squat exercise groups, and each group performed a different squat modality.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 15, 2026
• First Posted: July 14, 2026
• Study Start: April 27, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 4, 2026
• Study Completion: July 20, 2026
• Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU (1)