Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of the Squat with and Without Supportive Equipment

The most common type of supportive equipment utilized in powerlifting is the squat suit (SS). The SS has the same fit and relative design of a singlet used in weightlifting, composed of various materials that stretch and then contract during the lift to possibly aid in increasing force, power and velocity. However, no previous investigation has examined the effect of a SS on squat performance. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to investigate various kinetic and kinematic variables associated with squats with and without supportive equipment (i.e. SS).