Evaluation of a User Interface Design for Enhancing Muscle Focus During Squat Training

This study developed and evaluated a training assistance system designed to enhance internal focus (IF) during squatting exercises. IF, which directs attention to muscle activation, has been shown to promote muscle hypertrophy more effectively than external focus. The system utilized MediaPipe’s BlazePose for real-time posture estimation and provided visual and auditory feedback based on knee flexion angles to optimize muscle engagement. Electromyographic (EMG) measurements, including peak EMG, root mean square, and integrated EMG, were recorded for the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles in eight participants. Results indicated that auditory feedback heightened the awareness of rectus femoris, while visual feedback enhanced focus on the gastrocnemius. These effects may also be influenced by factors such as ease of maintaining proper form. This findings highlight the potential of feedback-driven systems to improve training efficacy. Future research will focus on refining the system and experimental protocols to better isolate the effects of IF.