Elastic bands are becoming more popular in strength and power training. Although increases in strength and power have been anecdotally reported with high loads of elastic resistance, there is no research on large band tensions and their effects on force and power variables. The purpose of this study was to quantify peak concentric force, peak concentric power and peak eccentric velocity produced by the subject when using differing levels of elastic resistance (0%, 20%, 50% and 75% of the total load being elastic resistance) in the bench press. Seven experienced male powerlifters and body builders participated in this study. Prior to subject testing all elastic bands were calibrated for force output throughout the bench press range of motion. Each subject performed a single repetition maximum press to determine the total correct testing load (85% of maximum press). The subjects then performed four presses with various elastic band resistances, each having the total equivalent weight of 85% of the subject’s maximal press weight at lockout. Dependent variables were peak concentric force, peak concentric power, and peak eccentric velocity as produced by the subject. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences among the four levels of elastic resistance (ER) used in the study (α = 0.05). Compared to the baseline condition (2123.6 ± 499.9N), significantly lower average peak concentric force was observed with ER of 75% (1451.2 ± 151.0N, 31.9% decrease) (p = .010) and with an ER of 50% (1781.1 ± 174.3N, 16.4% decrease) (p = .052). When compared with baseline peak concentric power (702.6 ± 274.6W), higher peak power was observed in all band trials: 20% (895.2 ± 187.7W, 27.4% increase), 50% (972.5 ± 189.8W, 38.4% increase) and 75% (979.6 ± 171.0W, 39.4% increase) (p = .009; p = .007; p = .033, respectively). There was no significant difference in peak concentric power in any ER trials. No significant differences (p = .080) were seen in peak eccentric velocity. Therefore ER loads of 20, 50 and 75% provide greater stimuli for producing peak concentric power than no ER, with only a 20% load of ER maintaining the same peak concentric force production as baseline. ER loads of 50 and 75% may not be as effective a stimuli as free weights when the training objective is to increase force production. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Graduation date: 1993

Thesis (M.S.)--Indiana University, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 2005.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the possible effects of spring football practice on strength retention among the varsity football players at the University of the Pacific as measured by the four strength tests from Edwin A. Fleishman’s Basic Fitness Test Battery for Evaluation of Physical Fitness Factors; the one repetition maximum scores from five weight training exercises; and the maximum number of bar dips performed for one set: (2) to determine whether weight training during spring football practice is beneficial for strength retention for the duration of spring football practice: and (3) to determine the effectiveness of two weight training programs in the development of strength.

No description available.

M. S.

No description available.

Twenty-five sedentary female volunteers, 18-30 years of age, were studied to determine the effects of an endurance running program on leg strength gains from a weight training program. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a weight training group (W), a weight training plus running group (RW), or a control group (C). The subjects trained three days per week, approximately one hour per day, for nine weeks. The RW group ran for 25 min then weight trained for 30 min, whereas the W group weight trained for one hour. Subjects were tested for one-repetition maximum (l-RM) pre-training, at two week intervals during training, and post-training. Thigh girth (midpoint [MG] and 1.18 cm above the patella [AP]) and percent body fat were measured pre- and post-training, only weekly on a calibrated scale. Body weight was measured. Significant improvements in isotonic leg strength of 56% for W and 66% for RW were observed, with no difference between the groups. W and RW also achieved a significantly greater isotonic leg strength than the C group. The experimental groups had a significantly greater posttest AP as compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed over the experimental period in MG, percent body fat and body weight of any of the groups. In conclusion, the running program used in the present study did not interfere with leg strength or girth gains achieved through weight training. These results are in contrast to those reported in other studies which found that aerobic training impaired strength gains. / Master of Science