Introduction
muscle hypertrophy, lower limb muscle hypertrophy, muscular hypertrophy, diabetes
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, CHRONIC DISEASES, DIABETES
Sedentary behavior has become increasingly common due to lifestyle changes. Long time of sedentary behavior not only can lead to high risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancerThe squat exercise is a kind of multiple-joint exercise mainly to increase the muscle strength and muscular hypertrophy of lower body muscles that descent and ascent the body center of gravity by flexing and extending the hip, knee and ankleOn the other hand, bodyweight squats, which promote lower limb muscle strength by working against the gravity of the body's own weight, have also been widely used by increasing repetitions, shortening the rest-interval time, changing the squat angle, or increasing the difficulty of movement under constant load (weight)The present study aimed to compare the effects of 6-week progressive barbell-back and bodyweight squat training programs on muscle strength, thickness, and body composition in sedentary young women. This will provide scientific evidence for designment of effective training programs for females. We hypothesized that bodyweight squats would significantly improve knee joint strength, lower limb muscle hypertrophy, and body fat and that barbell-back squats and barbell squats would have similar effects on strength and muscle hypertrophy.