The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2006 · 10 citations · 0 references
EducationKinesiologyExercise PhysiologyExercise TestingHuman PerformanceElectromyogram AnalysisNeuromuscular PhysiologyPhysical FitnessResistance TrainingStrength TrainingTraining AdaptationDependent VariablesElastic Resistance ExerciseElectromyographyGender InteractionMuscle Activation AnalysisResistance Training AdaptationsStrength AdaptationStrength Training Adaptation
Integrated electromyography (IEMG) and performance outcomes from resistance exercise may be influenced by gender, repetition order, and contractile mode. A novel strength training apparatus employing inertial resistance operates unlike standard exercise equipment and may therefore evoke different IEMG and performance outcomes. Subjects performed 3-set, 10-repetition calf press workouts on an inertial device while IEMG and flywheel velocity were recorded. Dependent variables were examined with 2 (men, women) X 2 (first vs. 10th repetition) X 2 (concentric, eccentric) analyses of variance. Performance outcomes showed gender-by-repetition and gender-by–contractile-mode interactions, with men's 10th-repetition and men's concentric data, respectively, causing these effects. Medial gastrocnemius (MG) IEMG showed a gender-by-repetition interaction resulting from men's first-repetition data. Greater 10th-repetition performance despite higher first-repetition MG IEMG may result from heightened triceps surae elastic energy utilization and/or maintained cross-bridges during transitions from lengthening-to-shortening actions. Inertial strength training may improve performance outcomes without additional motor unit recruitment.