Date of Completion

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Leg press machine, Bodyweight, Lower Extremity (LE) strength, Physical Therapy (PT) interns

Abstract

This study compared the observed differences of leg press machine and bodyweight squats in enhancing lower extremity (LE) strength among Physical Therapy (PT) interns at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI). Lower extremity strength was defined as objective strength, subjective performance, and functional performance. A two-group pretest-posttest research design was employed. Purposive non-probability sampling, incorporating homogeneous and snowball techniques, was used to recruit participants. Of the four sample sizes, two interns (one male and one female) currently in internship and with no strength training within the past six months, participated. Each was randomly assigned to either leg press or bodyweight squat training and completed a four-week program performed three times per week. Each session consisted of three sets of ten repetitions, with progression guided by the “rule of twos” when participants performed two repetitions beyond the target range and reported a Repetitions in Reserve (RIR) of ≤2 for two consecutive sessions. Bodyweight progression involved tempo  modification, while leg press used load increases of 5–10%. Pre- and post-tests were measured for comparison of the components of objective strength through the As Many As Possible (AMRAP) Sit-to-Stand test, subjective performance through RIR which were also monitored throughout the training, and functional performance through the Simulated Patient Transfer test (SPTT). Results showed an observed difference in objective strength with bodyweight squats demonstrating greater gains (22%) than leg press (8%), increased subjective performance for bodyweight squats (17%) than leg press (-7%), and both groups achieving 40% increase in total functional performance. Although the findings did not establish superiority, bodyweight squats showed greater observed difference in some objective and subjective outcomes among the two PT interns.

First Advisor

Ruth Beranie Bernales

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