| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of four
different training methods (isokinetic exercise, electrical muscle
stimulation, concurrent electrical muscle stimulation with
isokinetic exercise, and no training) on the acquisition and
retention of strength, endurance and bilateral transfer in females.
Subjects consisted of 30 female volunteers aged 17-25. Subjects
were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups. Those
subjects performing exercise trained only their right leg.
Following an explanation as to the premise of the study, subjects
were pretested on the four dependent variables of static extension
(0°/sec), dynamic extension (60°/sec), dynamic extension
(180°/sec), and dynamic muscular endurance (180°/sec). Groups were
trained Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week for a six week duration. Every training session required subjects to warm up with
6-8 repetitions followed by a training phase consisting of 3 sets
of 10 repetitions. Subjects trained isokinetically were exercised
at a speed of 60°/sec. Electrical stimulation was delivered by way
of a 10 second contraction, followed by a 20 second recovery phase.
Maximum current was delivered at 50 pulses/sec with a corresponding
wave width of 200 microseconds. The protocol utilized for the
concurrent treatment was identical to the other two methods. Surge
and rest times, however, were altered to allow for a two second
contraction followed by a one second recovery phase. Subjects were
assessed for strength and endurance at the beginning of the 6 week
training program, at the conclusion of training and after a 4 week detraining period. Data were analyzed with a MANOVA in a 4 x 2 x 3
design. Percentage differences between tests and among groups on
variables were presented.
An alpha level of .05 was accepted for all statistical
procedures. Results showed: (a) the strength training methods
employed did not significantly improve either static or dynamic
strength; (b) no significant increase in endurance was noted with
any of the training procedures; (c) there was a wide variation of
training responses among all the subjects; (d) none of the
training groups were found to be superior for improving strength
and endurance; (e) none of the training procedures resulted in a
significant transfer of strength; and (f) following 4 weeks detraining, none of the training procedures resulted in a significant loss of strength. | |
