Several possible studies
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How to Barbell Back Squat: Form, Benefits, Reps (opens in a new tab)
menshealth.com · 2026-10-02
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Several possible studiesNo clear answer.
More than one paper fits the article's details, and none fits well enough to single out. Checking claims against the wrong study would be worse than not checking them at all.
Checked against the study summary. The full text wasn't available, so some details couldn't be settled either way.
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The story
How to Barbell Back Squat: Form, Benefits, Reps
menshealth.com · 2026-10-02
The story’s checkable claims.
Read the original story (opens in a new tab)NewsLink checks it
Several studies could be the source of this story.
More than one paper fits the article's details, and none fits well enough to single out. Checking claims against the wrong study would be worse than not checking them at all.
Open claim evidenceSearch result
Several studies could fit.
More than one paper fits the article's details, and none fits well enough to single out. Checking claims against the wrong study would be worse than not checking them at all.
Evidence layer
Claim by claim
What the story asserts. With no source study, there is nothing to check these against.
Reading mode
Scan verdicts. Open evidence only when needed.
Claim 1 of 8Not checkedThe barbell back squat is a highly regarded gym lift because it challenges large muscle groups, promotes muscle growth, and builds strength.View evidenceHide evidence
Not checked
NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 2 of 8Not checkedIf performed incorrectly or rushed through, the barbell back squat can increase the risk of injury.View evidenceHide evidence
Not checked
NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 3 of 8Not checkedThe article advises using a power rack with safety catches, setting the bar just below shoulder height, and positioning the feet slightly wider than shoulder width with toes slightly out.View evidenceHide evidence
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 4 of 8Not checkedThe exercise is said to help grow the quads and glutes because loading the back allows heavier loads to be moved.View evidenceHide evidence
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 5 of 8Not checkedThe squat is described as improving athleticism, explosiveness, and power by training knee and hip extension used in jumping and running.View evidenceHide evidence
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 6 of 8Not checkedThe article says the barbell back squat mainly targets the quadriceps, glutes, and low back extensors, while the hamstrings and abs are more involved in stabilization than in primary movement.View evidenceHide evidence
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 7 of 8Not checkedIt recommends squatting to about parallel or deeper only if mobility allows, while avoiding rounding the low back.View evidenceHide evidence
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Claim 8 of 8Not checkedFor programming, the article suggests placing the squat early in a workout and doing it once or twice per week for 3 to 4 sets of 3 to 10 reps.View evidenceHide evidence
As statedonce or twice a week, tops; 3 to 4 sets of anywhere from 3 to 10 reps
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NewsLink could not identify one source study, so this claim was not compared against a paper.
Method layer
No single source study was found.
NewsLink still surfaces nearby research so you can inspect the field instead of a single paper.
Nearby research
No exact source, but these papers are close.
PubMed, Crossref, Europe PMC · 15 candidate papers
Split-set resistance training in-season increases maximal vertical power without enhancing athletic performance: a comparison with failure training in youth handball players.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness · 2026 · PubMed
Peer Review #2 of "The effects of a 4-week mesocycle of barbell back squat or barbell hip thrust strength training upon isolated lumbar extension strength (v0.2)"
2019 · Crossref
The effects of bar positioning, stance width, repetition, and load on muscle activity during the barbell back squat.
2026 · Europe PMC
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training at Different Levels of Arterial Occlusion Pressure on Body Composition and Athletic Performance in Youth Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine · 2026 · PubMed
Peer Review #2 of "The effects of a 4-week mesocycle of barbell back squat or barbell hip thrust strength training upon isolated lumbar extension strength (v0.1)"
2019 · Crossref
And 10 more candidates considered.