Background: The deadlift is a foundational exercise in strength training, athletic development, and rehabilitation. The conventional deadlift (CDL) and sumo deadlift (SDL) are prominent variants, yet debates continue over biomechanical loads, spinal stresses, muscle activations, and clinical applications. This systematic review synthesizes kinetic, kinematic, and EMG findings to compare techniques, integrating multi-planar stabilization concepts. Purpose: To compare CDL vs SDL across GRFs, joint reaction forces, internal moments, spinal loading, muscle activation, stabilization demands, and passive tissue stresses. Methods: PRISMA-aligned search (1996–2025) using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus; 15 quantitative studies included. The review summarizes ROM, moments, EMG (%MVC), GRFs, and spinal loads with emphasis on multi-planar mechanics.
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Mehta, N., Achouri, I., Malhotra, S., Alfiero, C., & Spetan, H. (2025). Comparison of Sumo and Conventional Deadlifts: A Systematic Review of Forces, Moments, and Stabilization. Journal of Movement Mechanics & Biomechanics Science, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18063921