The Claim

Deadlifts cause more persistent reductions in braking rate of force development and modified reactive strength index at 24 hours post-exercise than back squats in resistance-trained adults, indicating a delayed impairment in neuromuscular reactivity and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency.

Source: Back squat and deadlift fatiguing protocols elicit distinct countermovement jump profiles: phase-specific predictors and soreness responses

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
69score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

After exercise, deadlifts lead to greater and longer-lasting decreases in the ability to generate force quickly and respond to rapid movements compared to back squats in trained individuals, 24 hours after the workout.

See the scientific wording

Deadlifts induce more persistent reductions in braking rate of force development (RFD) and modified reactive strength index (RSImod) at 24 hours post-exercise compared to back squats in resistance-trained adults, suggesting a delayed impairment in neuromuscular reactivity and stretch-shortening cycle efficiency.

Why this might work

After heavy deadlifts, muscles accumulate fatigue chemicals that slow down their ability to generate force quickly, and the brain reduces its signals to the muscles. This makes the body less able to use the spring-like action of muscles and tendons during quick movements, so the braking phase of a jump takes longer to recover, and the body cannot respond rapidly even when jump height returns.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Back squat and deadlift fatiguing protocols elicit distinct countermovement jump profiles: phase-specific predictors and soreness responses

    After heavy deadlifts, athletes take longer to recover their quick, spring-like leg response when landing from a jump—even if their jump height comes back—compared to after squats. This means deadlifts mess with your body’s quick reaction ability for longer.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.