Squat Performance in Elite Powerlifters: Biomechanical Analyses of Maximal and Near Maximal Lifts

Abstract

Andersen, V, Petushek, EJ, Saeterbakken, AH, Paulsen, G, and Krosshaug, T. Squat performance in elite powerlifters: biomechanical analyses of maximal and near maximal lifts. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The aim of this study was to investigate lifting technique and joint loading near maximal and maximal loads in elite powerlifters and to investigate their strategies to maximize performance. Eight elite national powerlifters volunteered to participate in the study. The subjects lifted single repetitions at 3 different loads (90, 95, and 100% of 1-RM). The ascending movement was divided into presticking, sticking, and poststicking regions and analyzed for hip torque, knee torque, and hip/knee torque ratio in addition to barbell displacement, barbell velocity, lifting time, and joint angles. The results indicated a significantly higher hip torque than knee torque across all phases, particularly during the sticking region, where a hip-to-knee torque ratio exceeding 3:1 was observed. This ratio indicates a much larger contribution from the hip extensors in powerlifters than what has previously been reported in recreational lifters. Based on ANOVA and equivalence testing (equivalence bounds: d = ±0.51), the increased barbell loading increased the knee joint torque in the presticking region (8% between 90 and 95% of 1-RM), increased the forward lean toward the end of the sticking region and reduced lifting velocity in the sticking and poststicking region. In conclusion, top-level powerlifters were able to maintain their load distribution across the knee and hip when increasing the loading in the barbell back squat, while increasing the initial thrust from the bottom position with higher knee torques during the heaviest lifts. The high proportion of the load distributed to the hip joint indicates that a powerlifting squat requires substantial hip extensor strength.