Research
Neural
The high-bar back-squat (HBBS) is associated with greater quadriceps muscle activity, while the low-bar back-squat (LBBS) is associated with greater muscle activity of the erector spinae, adductors, and gluteal muscles.
Practitioners can choose squat variations based on desired muscle engagement.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
The LBBS can also be characterized by a greater muscle activity of the erector spinae, adductors, and gluteal muscles, whereas the HBBS can be characterized by greater quadriceps muscle activity.
Why this rating
The claim is based on a review of biomechanical differences.
Source
A Review of the Biomechanical Differences Between the High-Bar and Low-Bar Back-Squat
Daniel J. Glassbrook et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2017
DOI 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002007
reviewCited 64×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- The high-bar back-squat (HBBS) is characterized by greater knee flexion, lesser hip flexion, a more upright torso, and a deeper squat compared to the low-bar back-squat (LBBS).Strong
- The low-bar back-squat (LBBS) is characterized by greater hip flexion and a greater forward lean compared to the high-bar back-squat (HBBS).Strong
Related findings · Neural
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →