Research
Neural
Muscle activity was highest during the partial back squat for gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and soleus compared to the full back squat.
Practitioners may consider incorporating partial back squats to enhance activation of key muscle groups.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
In general, muscle activity was highest during the partial back squat for GM (p = 0.004), BF (p = 0.009), and SL (p = 0.031) when compared with full-back squat.
Why this rating
Based on the study design involving resistance-trained men and electromyography measurements.
Source
Muscle Activation Differs Between Partial and Full Back Squat Exercise With External Load Equated
Josinaldo J. da Silva et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2017
DOI 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001713
other · n=15Cited 76×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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