Effects of Squat Variations on Quadriceps Muscle Thickness and Strength

NCT07700641 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: UskudarUUU
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 42
• 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 Strength (Isomed 2000 Isokinetic Dynamometer)

  Quadriceps muscle strength was assessed using a Isomed 2000 isokinetic dynamometer, which is considered a gold-standard method for evaluating muscle performance. Isokinetic testing measures maximal torque produced by the muscle throughout the range of motion at a constant angular velocity, providing reliable data on muscle function. Knee extension strength were evaluated.

  Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Assessment of Muscle Thickness

  Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

Tradional Squat Group

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Other: Tradional Squat Group

Heel-Elevated Squat Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Other: Heel-Elevated Squat Group

Interventions

Heel-Elevated Squat Group OTHER

Participants in the Heel-Elevated Squat Group performed all repetitions with both heels supported on rigid 5-cm wedges. Participants completed an 8-week supervised bodyweight squat program performed twice weekly, with progressive increases in training volume and intensity. Squats were performed to approximately parallel depth, using a controlled \~2-s eccentric phase followed by maximal intended concentric velocity, with 2-min rest intervals between sets.

Heel-Elevated Squat Exercise

Tradional Squat Group OTHER

Participants completed an 8-week supervised bodyweight squat program performed twice weekly, with progressive increases in training volume and intensity. Squats were performed to approximately parallel depth, using a controlled \~2-s eccentric phase followed by maximal intended concentric velocity, with 2-min rest intervals between sets.

Also known as: Classic Squat Group

Tradional Squat Group

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: September 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Locations

TU (1)