In-Season Hip Thrust vs. Back Squat Training in Female High School Soccer Players

Authors

Nicole A. Millar, Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Center for Sport Performance, California State University, Fullerton, CA
Lauren M. Colenso-Semple, Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Center for Sport Performance, California State University, Fullerton, CAFollow
Robert G. Lockie, Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Center for Sport Performance, California State University, Fullerton, CA
Risto H.J. Marttinen, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University
Andrew J. Galpin, Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Center for Sport Performance, California State University, Fullerton, CAFollow

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 49-61, 2020. The barbell back squat provides a highly effective training stimulus to improve lower body strength, speed, and power, which are considered key components of athletic performance in many sports. The barbell hip thrust exercise utilizes similar musculature, and is popular among practitioners, but has received far less scientific examination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an in-season resistance training program with hip thrusts or back squats on physical performance in adolescent female soccer players. Fourteen players completed identical whole-body resistance training twice per week for 6 weeks, except one group used the barbell hip thrust (HT) (n = 6) and the other the back squat (SQ) (n = 8). Improvements were observed for both groups in hip thrust 3RM (HT = 34.0%, SQ = 23.8%), back squat 3RM (HT = 34.6%, SQ = 31.0%), vertical jump (HT = 5.4%, SQ = 4.9%), broad jump (HT = 10.5%, SQ = 8.1%), ball kicking distance (HT = 13.2%, SQ = 8.1%), and pro-agility (HT = -1.5%, SQ = -1.5%; faster), but not 36.6-m dash (HT = 2.9%, SQ = 1.9%; slower) with no significant between-group differences. These data indicate that both the hip thrust and the squat provide an effective stimulus to improve these sport-specific performance measures. Practitioners should consider these findings in combination with other factors (equipment availability, ability to coach the movement, training goals, injuries, etc.) when selecting exercises.

Recommended Citation

Millar, Nicole A.; Colenso-Semple, Lauren M.; Lockie, Robert G.; Marttinen, Risto H.J.; and Galpin, Andrew J. (2020) "In-Season Hip Thrust vs. Back Squat Training in Female High School Soccer Players," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 13 : Iss. 4, Pages 49 - 61.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol13/iss4/2