Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Hip Thrust Versus Back Squat Training in Untrained Adults
Sponsor: Auburn University
Summary
This study compared the effects of two lower-body resistance training exercises - the barbell back squat and the barbell hip thrust - on muscle growth and strength in untrained young adults. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to train using either the back squat or the hip thrust, two times per week for nine weeks. Muscle size (via MRI) and strength (via weightlifting tests) were measured before and after training to determine whether one exercise produced greater improvements than the other, particularly in the gluteal muscles. Muscle activity during the first training session was also measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) to see whether early muscle activation could predict later muscle growth.
Official title: Hip Thrust and Back Squat Training Elicit Similar Gluteus Muscle Hypertrophy and Transfer Similarly to the Deadlift
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
39
Start Date
2023-01-20
Completion Date
2024-01-17
Last Updated
2026-08-12
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Resistance training
Participants performed training twice per week (non-consecutive days) for 9 weeks, totaling 15-17 supervised sessions. Training volume progressed weekly: 3 sets in week 1, 4 sets in week 2, 5 sets in weeks 3-6, and 6 sets in weeks 7-9, matching the set-volume scheme used in the hip thrust group. Each set consisted of 8-12 repetitions performed to volitional muscular failure (defined as the inability to complete another repetition with proper form); load was adjusted as needed to keep repetitions within this range. Repetitions were performed with a controlled tempo (\~1-second concentric, \~2-second eccentric). All training sessions were supervised by study personnel. Participants were instructed to refrain from any other lower-body resistance training for the duration of the study.
Locations (1)
School of Kinesiology
Auburn, Alabama, United States