Lower Extremity Electromyography During Submaximal Squats with Varying Moments of Inertia

Increasing MOI increases EMG amplitude of hip extensors, knee extensors, and plantarflexors during submaximal FIT squats in the concentric and eccentric phases. At higher MOI, EMG amplitude is preferentially increased in GM and SOL, especially in the eccentric phase. Submaximal FIT squats can be performed for up to 3 min continuously with active concentric and eccentric phases. This training modality may concomitantly preserve muscle and cardiorespiratory fitness during unloading but this remains to be tested. Mitchinson CJ, Caruso J, Best S, Bollinger L. Lower extremity electromyography during submaximal squats with varying moments of inertia. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(2):93-100.