scholarly journals Resistance training induces similar adaptations of upper and lower-body muscles between sexes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Kojić ◽  
Danimir Mandić ◽  
Vladimir Ilić

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to compare sex adaptations in hypertrophy, strength and contractile properties of upper and lower-body muscles induced by resistance training (RT). Eighteen RT untrained male (MG) and female (FG) students (aged 24.1 ± 1.7 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.08 m, weight: 70.4 ± 12.3 kg) undervent 7 weeks of biceps curl and squat training (2 days/week, 60–70% repetition maximum, 3–4 sets, 120 s rest intervals, reps until muscular failure). At baseline and final measurement, thickness and cross-section area, one-repetition maximum and tensiomyography parameters (contraction time − Tc and radial displacement − Dm) of elbow flexors (biceps brachii) and knee extensors (4 quadriceps muscles) were evaluated. Although MG tends to display greater absolute strength gains for upper- (p = 0.055) and lower-body (p = 0.098), for relative changes ANCOVA revealed no sex-specific differences for either of the tested variables. Significant hypertrophy was observed for all tested muscles, except for vastus intermedius in FG (p = 0.076). The Dm significantly decreased for biceps brachii (MG by 12%, p < 0.01 and FG by 13.1%, p < 0.01) and rectus femoris (MG by19.2%, p < 0.01 and FG by 12.3%, p < 0.05), while Tc values remain unchanged. These results indicate that initial morphological, functional and contractile alterations following RT are similar for males and females, and that there are no specific sex adaptations either for the upper- or lower-body muscles. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04845295).

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Bahram Kashiani ◽  
Soh Kim Geok

Several studies have shown a positive association between variable resistance training and improvement of muscular performance. However, the most effective type of variable resistance training to improve muscular performance (such as; strength and endurance) in untrained individuals remains unclear. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of 12 weeks combined weight and chain versus combined weight and elastic band variable resistance training on muscular strength and endurance among untrained male adults. Fifty healthy untrained males (age: 21.5 ± 1.95 years) were randomly selected and assigned into three groups: combined weight and chain (WC), combined weight and elastic band (WE), and free-weight (CG). From week 1 until week 12 all groups trained with 3 to 4 sets of 8 - 12 repetitions with 70% to 80% of 1RM for 2 days per week. Approximately 65% of the resistance was provided by free-weights and 35% of the resistance was provided by chains and elastic bands for the WC and WE groups. Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance using one-repetition maximum, and maximum repetitions were measured before, in the middle and after the intervention. Results reported there were significant increases in upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance in all groups in the middle and after the intervention (p < 0.05), and these variables increased more and faster significantly in WC and WE groups compared with CG group. Finally, although in the middle and after the intervention there were not significant differences in upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance between WE and WC groups (p > 0.05), the results showed WE variable resistance training had a better effect insignificantly to improve upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance in the middle and after 12 weeks of variable resistance training among untrained males.


2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cristine Koch Buttelli ◽  
Stephanie Santana Pinto ◽  
Maira Cristina Wolf Schoenell ◽  
Bruna Pereira Almada ◽  
Liliana Kologeski Camargo ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of single vs. multiple sets water-based resistance training on maximal dynamic strength in young men. Twenty-one physically active young men were randomly allocated into 2 groups: a single set group (SS, n=10) and a multiple sets group (MS, n=11). The single set program consisted of only 1 set of 30 s, whereas the multiple sets comprised 3 sets of 30 s (rest interval between sets equaled 1 min 30 s). All the water-based resistance exercises were performed at maximal effort and both groups trained twice a week for 10 weeks. Upper (bilateral elbow flexors and bilateral elbow extensors, peck deck and inverse peck deck) as well as lower-body (bilateral knee flexors and unilateral knee extensors) one-repetition maximal tests (1RM) were used to assess changes in muscle strength. The training-related effects were assessed using repeated measures two-way ANOVA (α=5%). Both SS and MS groups increased the upper and lower-body 1RM, with no differences between groups. Therefore, these data show that the maximal dynamic strength significantly increases in young men after 10 weeks of training in an aquatic environment, although the improvement in the strength levels is independent of the number of sets performed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
William P. Ebben

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in hamstring activation during lower body resistance training exercises. This study also sought to assess differences in hamstring-to-quadriceps muscle activation ratios and gender differences therein.Methods:A randomized repeated measures design was used to compare six resistance training exercises that are commonly believed to train the hamstrings, including the squat, seated leg curl, stiff leg dead lift, single leg stiff leg dead lift, good morning, and Russian curl. Subjects included 34 college athletes. Outcome measures included the biceps femoris (H) and rectus femoris (Q) electromyography (EMG) and the H-to-Q EMG ratio, for each exercise.Results:Main effects were found for the H (P < 0.001) and Q (P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis identified the specific differences between exercises. In addition, main effects were found for the H-to-Q ratio when analyzed for all subjects (P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that women achieved between 53.9 to 89.5% of the H-to-Q activation ratios of men, for the exercises assessed. In a separate analysis of strength matched women and men, women achieved between 35.9 to 76.0% of the H-to-Q ratios of men, for these exercises.Conclusions:Hamstring resistance training exercises offer differing degrees of H and Q activation and ratios. Women compared with men, are less able to activate the hamstrings and/or more able to activate the quadriceps. Women may require disproportionately greater training for the hamstrings compared with the quadriceps.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina dos Santos Jacob ◽  
Gabriela Klein Barbosa ◽  
Mariana Pasquini Rodrigues ◽  
Jurandyr Pimentel Neto ◽  
Lara Caetano Rocha ◽  
...  

Abstract This investigation revealed the postsynaptic morphological adaptations in static stretching, resistance training, and their association in adult male Wistar rats. We processed the soleus and plantaris muscle for histochemical (muscle hypertrophy) and postsynaptic region imaging techniques. We observed muscle hypertrophy in both groups submitted to resistance training, even though the cross-section area is larger when there is no previous static stretching. The soleus postsynaptic region revealed an increase in compactness and fragmentation index in combined exercise. The resistance training promotes high adaptations in the postsynaptic area of plantaris; moreover, the previous static stretching decreased this area. In conclusion, the neuromuscular system’s components respond according to the myofiber type even though it is the same physical exercise. Besides, static stretching (isolated or combined) plays a crucial role in neuromuscular adaptations.


2007 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 1879-1887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Yang ◽  
Michael Baker ◽  
Scott Graf ◽  
Jennifer Larson ◽  
Vincent J. Caiozzo

The aims of this study were to 1) determine if hypergravity (HG) squats can produce foot forces similar to those measured during 10-repetition maximum (10RM) squats using weights under normal 1-G z condition, and 2) compare the kinematics (duration and goniometry) and EMG activities of selected joints and muscles between 10RM and HG squats of similar total foot forces. Eight men and six women [27 yr (SD 4), 66 kg (SD 10)] completed ten 10RM [83 kg (SD 23)] and 10 HG squats (2.25–3.75 G z). HG squats were performed on a human-powered short-arm centrifuge. Foot forces were measured using insole force sensors. Hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured using electrogoniometers. EMG activities of the erector spinae, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius were also recorded during both squats. All subjects were able to achieve similar or higher average total foot forces during HG squats compared with those obtained during 10RM squats. There were no differences in total duration per set, average duration per repetition, and goniometry and EMG activities of the selected joints and muscles, respectively, between 10RM and HG squats. These results demonstrate that HG squats can produce very high foot forces that are comparable to those produced during 10RM squats at 1 G z. In addition, the technique and muscle activation are similar between the two types of squats. This observation supports the view that HG resistance training may represent an important countermeasure to microgravity.


Author(s):  
Nicolay Stien ◽  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Vidar Andersen

Resistance-training exercises can be classified as either single- or multi-joint exercises and differences in surface electromyography (EMG) amplitude between the two training methods may identify which muscles can benefit from either training modality. This study aimed to compare the surface EMG amplitude of five hip- and knee extensors during one multi-joint (leg press) and two single-joint exercises (knee extension and kickback). Fifteen resistance-trained men completed one familiarization session to determine their unilateral six repetitions maximum (6RM) in the three exercises. During the following experimental session, EMG amplitudes of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, gluteus maximus and biceps femoris of the left leg were measured while performing three repetitions on their respective 6RM loads. The multi-joint exercise leg press produced higher EMG amplitude of the vastus lateralis (ES = 0.92, p = 0.003) than the single-joint exercise knee extension, whereas the rectus femoris demonstrated higher EMG amplitude during the knee extension (ES = 0.93, p = 0.005). The biceps femoris EMG amplitude was higher during the single-joint exercise kickback compared to the leg press (ES = 2.27, p < 0.001), while no significant differences in gluteus maximus (ES = 0.08, p = 0.898) or vastus medialis (ES = 0.056, p = 0.025 were observed between exercises. The difference in EMG amplitude between single- and multi-joint exercises appears to vary depending on the specific exercises and the muscle groups tested. Leg press is a viable and time-efficient option for targeting several hip- and knee extensors during resistance training of the lower limbs, but the single-joint exercises may be preferable for targeting the rectus femoris and biceps femoris.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua P. Gordon ◽  
Brennan J. Thompson ◽  
Joshua S. Crane ◽  
Eadric Bressel ◽  
Dale R. Wagner

Early adaptations in eccentric training show several advantages over those in concentric training. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of 4 weeks of multiple-joint eccentric versus traditional leg press (TLP) training on muscle strength, rate of torque development (RTD), and jump and sprint performance adaptations. Twenty-six resistance-trained adults performed either an eccentric or a TLP resistance-training program twice per week for 4 weeks. Single-joint isometric maximal and rapid strength (peak torque and RTD, respectively) and isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and flexors, multiple-joint eccentric strength, leg press strength (1-repetition maximum), 40-m sprint, and vertical and long jump were measured before, at the midpoint, and after a 4-week training period. Four weeks of isokinetic multiple-joint eccentric training elicited greater test-specific strength gains (effect size (ES) = 1.06) compared with TLP training (ES = 0.11). The eccentric group also yielded moderate improvements in the middle-late phase RTD (RTD100–200; ES = 0.51 and 0.54 for the knee flexors and extensors, respectively), whereas the TLP group showed small-moderate improvements (ES = 0.37). The majority of the single-joint strength variables showed negligible improvements. Performance tests showed no (broad jump) to small (vertical jump; sprint for the leg press) improvements. Multiple-joint eccentric training induced significant improvements in lower body strength in a short amount of time in a recreationally trained population. These accelerated adaptations along with the lower energy requirements of eccentric exercise, may be useful for clinicians or practitioners when prescribing training programs for those who are injured, sedentary, or elderly as a means to elicit time- and metabolically efficient muscle function improvements.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sotoodeh Kazem ◽  
Alizadeh Aliakbar ◽  
Mirzaei Bahman

Aim: The purpose of this study is comparison of three type of exercise sequence on maximum strength in untrained young men after 8 weeks of resistance training. Methods : Prior to the training program, participants were randomly assigned to three groups. One group began with upper to lower body (G1) while another performed lower to upper body (G2) or one exercise in upper body and one exercise in lower body order (G3). Training frequency was three sessions per week with at least 48 h of rest between sessions for a total of 24 sessions in the 8-week period. One repetition maximum (1RM) was assessed for all exercises at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Results : The results indicate that the maximum strength increased after all sessions, but the increase was not significantly difference between groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that performing exercises first in upper-body/lower-body or alternate in a bout of resistance exercise was not to leads difference in maximum strength. Conclusions : These results indicate that one exercise in upper body and one exercise in lower body order not provided greater strength gains than both muscle group upper and lower body exercises (p < 0.05).


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