The Claim

In resistance-trained females, the gluteus maximus-to-hamstring co-activation ratio during the descending phase of the barbell back squat is closest to 1.0 when performing the movement at 40% of one-repetition maximum, suggesting balanced neuromuscular activation between the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles at this submaximal load.

Source: Effect of external load on muscle activation during the barbell back squat

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
27score
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.

Quantitative
1 study reviewed
In plain English

When women who lift weights do squats with a light weight (about 40% of their max), their butt and hamstring muscles work together in perfect balance as they lower down.

See the scientific wording

In resistance-trained females, gluteus maximus-to-hamstring co-activation ratio during the descending phase of the barbell back squat is closest to 1.0 at 40% of one-repetition maximum, indicating balanced activation between glutes and hamstrings at this low load.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of external load on muscle activation during the barbell back squat

    The study found that when women squat with a light weight (40% of their max), their glutes and hamstrings work equally hard going down, which is exactly what the claim says.

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.

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