Effects of Very Short-term, Unilateral, Isokinetic TVaining of the forearm flexors on Strength in the TVained and Untrained Limbs

Abstract

Recent studies of the leg extensors have reported that very short-term resistance training programs (2-3 training sessions) resulted in increased strength and muscular performance. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of very short-term, unilateral isokinetic training on forearm flexion peak torque (PT) in the trained and untrained limbs. METHODS: Twelve men were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a) a training group (TRN; n = 6), or b) a control group (CTL; n = 6). Pre-testing and post-testing for both groups included three maximal, unilateral, concentric isokinetic muscle actions of the dominant (based on throwing preference) and non-dominant forearm flexors on a calibrated Cybex II dynamometer at 180°-s-l. The subjects in the TRN group performed two separate unilateral training sessions of the dominant limb consisting of six sets often maximal, concentric, isokinetic muscle actions at a velocity of 180°-s-1, while the subjects in the CTL group rested. At least 48 hours of rest were allowed between all testing and training sessions. RESULTS: A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA indicated that there were no significant (p > 0.05) pre-test to post-test changes in PT for either limb for the TRN or CTL groups. CONCLUSION: The results from this study indicated that two training sessions had no effect on forearm flexion PT in the trained or untrained limb. These findings were not consistent with those from previous investigations of the leg extensors that have reported increased strength after only two or three training sessions. The results indicated that, unlike the leg extensors, the forearm flexors require more than two training sessions before strength gains are observable. Physical therapists may need more than two visits with clients to provide proper rehabilitation.