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Hip Thrust Versus Back Squat Training in Untrained Adults

NCT07760220 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 39

Last updated 2026-08-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study compared the effects of two lower-body resistance training exercises - the barbell back squat and the barbell hip thrust - on muscle growth and strength in untrained young adults. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to train using either the back squat or the hip thrust, two times per week for nine weeks. Muscle size (via MRI) and strength (via weightlifting tests) were measured before and after training to determine whether one exercise produced greater improvements than the other, particularly in the gluteal muscles. Muscle activity during the first training session was also measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) to see whether early muscle activation could predict later muscle growth.

Conditions

  • Muscle Hypertrophy
  • Muscle Strength

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Resistance training

Participants performed training twice per week (non-consecutive days) for 9 weeks, totaling 15-17 supervised sessions. Training volume progressed weekly: 3 sets in week 1, 4 sets in week 2, 5 sets in weeks 3-6, and 6 sets in weeks 7-9, matching the set-volume scheme used in the hip thrust group. Each set consisted of 8-12 repetitions performed to volitional muscular failure (defined as the inability to complete another repetition with proper form); load was adjusted as needed to keep repetitions within this range. Repetitions were performed with a controlled tempo (\~1-second concentric, \~2-second eccentric). All training sessions were supervised by study personnel. Participants were instructed to refrain from any other lower-body resistance training for the duration of the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Auburn University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
30 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-01-20
Primary Completion
2023-04-29
Completion
2024-01-17

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07760220 on ClinicalTrials.gov