Can low-intensity squat exercise improve knee and hip flexion and extension strength simultaneously?

The present study investigated whether a squat training increase knee and hip flexion and extension strength. Twenty-four healthy young men were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 12). The training group performed a squat training program with 40% of 1-repetition maximum 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, isometric peak torques of knee and hip flexion and extension during maximal voluntary contractions were measured. The training-induced improvements of knee and hip flexion and extension strength were significant, suggesting that the low-intensity squat training is useful to simultaneously increase knee and hip flexion and extension strength.