This study investigated how joint dynamics and kinematics change with increasing squat intensity in elite powerlifters performing the powerlifting-style low-bar back squat. Twenty-nine national- and international-level Austrian athletes (13 women, 16 men) executed single-repetition squats at 70–90% of their estimated one-repetition maximum (1-RM) according to International Powerlifting Federation standards. A three-dimensional motion capture system and two force plates recorded full-body kinematics and ground-reaction forces. Inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics analyses were used to quantify joint angles and hip, knee and ankle flexion/extension moments. Absolute and relative joint flexion/extension moments were compared across intensities using repeated-measures ANOVA and Statistical Parametric Mapping (p < 0.05). As the load increased, hip joint flexion/extension moments increased significantly (p < 0.001) during the concentric phase, while knee and ankle flexion/extension moments remained unchanged. Relative joint flexion/extension moments shifted from the knee and ankle towards the hip, indicating a more hip-dominant strategy. No significant gender × intensity interaction was observed. These results demonstrate that during near-maximal squats in elite powerlifters, the hip joint endures the highest flexion/extension moments among the primary lower limb joints. Our findings can help inform coaching strategies for high-level athletes.
Pürzel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.