The Sound of Strength: Auditory Feedback Enhances Squat Performance in Resistance-Trained Females

Abstract

Introduction: Kinematic feedback during resistance training (RT) can improve performance, but most research has focused on males. Since conscientiousness levels related to feedback may differ between genders, this study examined how auditory and visual kinematic feedback affects squat performance in resistance-trained females. Methods: Seventeen resistance-trained females (21.2 ± 2.4 years; 3.8 ± 2.3 years training experience) performed three sets of 10 repetitions barbell back squats at 75% of 3RM under three randomized conditions: no feedback (CON), auditory feedback (AUD), and visual feedback (VIS). Average (AV) and peak (PV) concentric barbell velocity were measured using a PUSH band, and enjoyment was assessed using the Exercise Enjoyment Scale. Results: Feedback x rep interaction were found for both AV (p = .004, ηp² = .02) and PV (p < .001, ηp² = .03). Simple-slope comparisons showed AUD produced a less negative decline than CON for both AV (p = .002, d = 0.82) and PV (p < .001, d = 0.94). Main effect for percentage velocity loss (from rep 1–10) were found in feedback for AV (p = .015, ηp² = .23) and PV (p = .021, ηp² = .21). AUD had significantly less reduction in AV (9.5%) and PV (6.9%) vs CON (AV 23.1%, PV 19.0%). No significant differences were found between the other conditions in either slope or velocity loss comparisons (p = .068-449). Furthermore, both VIS (p < 0.05, r = 0.65) and AUD (p < 0.05, r = 0.69) feedback were rated more enjoyable than CON, with no difference between AUD and VIS (p = 0.57, r = 0.14). When asked about preferences, 70% of the participants favored AUD. Conclusion: Feedback helps preserve barbell velocity, reducing velocity loss across repetitions in resistance-trained females. Auditory feedback emerged as particularly effective for maintaining barbell velocity compared to no feedback and was the preferred feedback condition.