Abstract
Accommodation resistance is a training technique that may improve strength and power gains beyond those achieved by traditional free weights. In this method, chains are either added on a free-weight bar and combined with traditional plates or added to the bar as the entire load.Purpose. The aim of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of accommodation and constant resistance training methods during a four-week period on maximal strength and power in trained athletes.Methods. This study was comprised of 24 trained athletes, including 16 trained males [8 Wushu athletes (Kung-Fu) and 8 wrestlers, age: 20.5 ± 2.00 yrs. old]. Participants were initially tested on weight, body circumference, fat percent, upper and lower body maximal strength, determined by the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test, which determines the greatest amount of weight a person can successfully lift, and upper and lower body power. Participants were equally randomized to either accommodation or constant resistance training groups. Both groups underwent resistance training for a four-week period that consisted of three sessions per week. Multivariate repeated-measures analyses of variance of the data were used to verify significant differences in strength and power between groups. The modified Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare the obtained results in pre-, mid-, and post test.Results. In the accommodation resistance group, there was a significant difference in lower body maximal strength compared to the constant group (163.12 ± 18.82 kg in the accommodation group vs. 142.25 ± 20.04 kg in the constant group, P = 0.04). No significant differences were found in upper body power, lower body power, and upper body maximal strength between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion. Although there was only a significant difference in lower body maximal strength between groups, accommodation resistance training may induce a physiological training response by improving the strength and power of stabilizing muscle groups required to balance the bar if consistently used over time.
Highlights
Variable resistance training offers variable resistance throughout the entire range of motion (ROM) during exercise, whereas, constant resistance is a more traditional training protocol that demands unvarying resistance on the muscles and joints during an exercise routine
Despite the prevalence of theories about accommodation resistance training, only a few experimental studies have been conducted on this type of training (Berning, Coker & Adams, 2004; Ghigiarelli et al, 2009)
The results of the analysis of covariance indicated that there was a significant difference in lower body maximal strength compared to the constant group (163.12 ± 18.82 kg in the accommodation group vs. 142.25 ± 20.04 kg in the constant group, F = 11.85, P = 0.04)
Summary
Variable resistance training offers variable resistance throughout the entire range of motion (ROM) during exercise, whereas, constant resistance is a more traditional training protocol that demands unvarying resistance on the muscles and joints during an exercise routine. A variable resistance technique, is becoming more popular among athletes as a possible alternative to traditional training methods. In this method, chains are either added on a free-weight bar and combined with traditional plates, or added to the bar as the entire load. The chain adding method at the end of a barbell was first popularized in sports clubs, bodybuilding centers, and strength colleges (Berning, Coker & Adams, 2004; Coker, Berning & Briggs, 2006; Souza, Shimada & Koontz, 2002). Chain accommodation resistance training should be further explored as a means to enhance an athlete’s strength and power
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