Observational laboratory study.
Nineteen (11 male) healthy participants (28.4聽+/鈭捖?.7 years old) were compared using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Surface electromyography (EMG) measures of gluteus medius (GMed) and gluteus maximus (GMax) during the isometric phase of single-legged and double-legged squatting, with and without a Swiss ball.
A greater percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) during single-legged squatting was found compared to double-legged squatting for GMed (42 versus 9%MVC, p聽<聽0.001) and GMax (35 versus 14%MVC, p聽<聽0.001). Additionally, the Swiss ball increased GMax activity (42 versus 35%MVC, p聽=聽0.026) and demonstrated a trend toward increased GMed activity (46 versus 42%MVC, p聽=聽0.075) during the single-legged squat.
These results indicate single-legged squatting may be more appropriate than double-legged squatting to facilitate strength gains of GMed and GMax. Additionally, the Swiss ball may be a useful adjunct to target gluteal muscle strengthening during single-legged squatting.