Performing back squats (BSQ) has been one of the most common and popular types of resistance training (RT) modalities to increase muscular strength and power output for the purpose of improving athletic performance. Front squats (FSQ), while not as popular as the BSQ, are arguably another squat modality that may improve athletic performance. Purpose: This study compared the effects of performing the BSQ or FSQ on sprint speed, vertical jump (VJ) and squat strength. Methods: Recreationally active individuals both male (n=9, age: 30.6±7.6 yrs, height: 179.1±3.8 cms, mass: 87.8±7.8 kgs) and female (n=16, age: 29.4±6.5 yrs, height: 165.3±5.9 cms, mass: 68.5±10.7 kgs) were separated into two groups via a randomized matched pair design based on initial 1-RM squat strength. Both experimental groups employed a linear progressive overload model differing only in that one group executed the BSQ and the other group performed the FSQ as the lower body exercise. No additional lower body auxiliary movements were performed in the study. Vertical jump (VJ), 36.6 meter sprint time, and 1-RM squat strength were collected prior to and following the 6-week RT period. Dependent t-tests were used to compare the 1-RM squat, 36.6 meter sprint times, and VJ scores from pre to post study within experimental groups. Likewise, independent t-tests were used to compare dependent variable gain scores between groups (aResults: Both the BSQ and FSQ significantly improved 1-RM SQ, VJ and 36.6-meter sprint time (p0.05). The 1-RM SQ gain scores for the two experimental groups were similar (p>0.05). Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, both FSQ and BSQ RT programs improved lower body muscular strength, sprint speed, and power output.
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