Comparative Effects of Isometric and Isotonic Training Programs on Relative-Load Endurance and Work Capacity

Abstract

Abstract The effects of isometric and isotonic training programs on relative-load endurance, work capacity, and the relationship between strength and endurance were compared. Sixty-four college males were measured for isometric and isotonic muscular strength and endurance in performance of the bench press and leg press both before and after a 9-week training period. A relative load of 1/2 and 2/3 of the maximum strength of each subject was used for endurance tests of the bench press and leg press, respectively. The data analysis revealed that: (a) the isotonic training program was superior to the isometric program with respect to its effect on relative-load isometric bench press endurance, isometric bench press work capacity, and isotonic bench press work capacity; (b) the effects of the two training programs on the other endurance and work capacity measures were not different; and (c) neither of the training programs affected the relationship between isometric strength and relative-load isometric endurance and between isotonic strength and relative-load isotonic endurance.