Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare neuromuscular activation, kinetics and kinematics in three variations of the deadlift: (1) free weights, (2) free weights with elastic bands as resistance (bands anchored to the ground) and (3) free weights with elastic bands as assistance (bands attached above the bar). Sixteen resistance-trained men performed one repetition of the three variations as fast as possible using a 2-repetition maximum load in randomized and counterbalanced order. Muscle activation (gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, erector spinae, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis), kinematics (average-, peak-, and time to peak velocity), and kinetics (average-, peak,-and time to peak force) were measured during the ascending movement. Resisted and assisted deadlifts led to higher average and peak force outputs (p < 0.001–0.037, ES = 0.29–0.58), and time to peak velocity was shorter when compared to the free weights deadlift (p = 0.005–0.010, ES = 0.83–1.01). However, peak force was achieved faster when using free weights (p < 0.001, ES = 1.58–2.10) and assisted deadlifts had a lower peak velocity compared to resisted and free weights deadlift (p = 0.004–0.046, ES = 0.43–0.60). There were no significant differences in muscle activation between the different conditions (p = 0.082–1.000). In conclusion, the assisted and resisted deadlift produced higher force when compared to free weights. However, free weight and resisted deadlift seem more favorable for the barbell velocity. These findings are of importance for athletes and coaches which should select exercise depending on the goal of the session.
Highlights
Deadlift is a popular exercise among athletes and recreational lifters seeking to increase muscle hypertrophy and maximum and explosive strength (Kompf and Arandjelovic, 2017)
Time to peak force output were shorter for the free weights deadlift compared to the two elastic band-conditions
The main finding of the present study was that resisted and assisted deadlifts led to higher average and peak force output when compared to the free weights deadlift
Summary
Deadlift is a popular exercise among athletes and recreational lifters seeking to increase muscle hypertrophy and maximum and explosive strength (Kompf and Arandjelovic, 2017). Different Use of Variable Resistance the sticking region there will be a mismatch between the external torque and the potential of the muscular torque (Gabriel et al, 2006; Frost et al, 2010). In exercises with an ascending force curve such as deadlift, squat, and bench press, combining free weights and elastic bands have been proposed as an alternative to reduce this mismatch and optimize the relationship between muscle- and free weight torque (Frost et al, 2010; Wallace et al, 2018). The elastic bands induce a variable resistance as they are stretched due to their elasticity (McMaster et al, 2010), eliciting increasing muscular demand throughout the ROM
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