Effects of isotonic resistance training at two movement velocities on strength gains

Abstract

Considering the need to adequately prescribe training, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of isotonic resistance training at 0.44 and 1.75 rad·s-1 on gains in muscular strength. Fourteen healthy volunteers were stratified into slow (SG: 0.44 rad·s-1; n = 8; 26 ± 7 yr; 66 ± 12 kg) and fast (FG: 1.75 rad·s -1; n = 6; 28 ± 7 yr; 55 ± 9 kg) groups exercising squat and bench press (1 set, 8-10 RM, 3 x/wk, 12 weeks). Six of these subjects took part in a comparison group (CG: 25 ± 6 yr; 59 ± 13 kg), and did not train during a control period of 12 weeks preceding training. Paired t-test showed no differences in the measured variables for CG. Repeated measures 2 x 2 ANOVA showed significant (P < .05) gains for both training groups and exercises in 1 RM (SG: 27.6 ± 16.8% and 16.8 ± 11.8%; FG: 21.4 ± 12.6% and 16.2 ± 14.1%, squat and bench press, respectively) and 8-10 RM tested at 0.44 rad·s-1 (SG: 36.0 ± 22.4% and 14.7 ± 9.2%; FG: 31.1 ± 19.2% and 18.8 ± 8.7%) and 1.75 rad·s-1 (SG: 27.2 ± 11.1% and 15.2 ± 11.4%; FG: 23.6 ± 19.2% and 20.9 ± 9.8%), with no significant differences between groups. Results of this study did not support velocity specificity in training with isotonic equipment.