Progressive Movement Training: An Analysis Of Its Effects On Muscular Strength And Power Development

Abstract

Muscular strength and power are important attributes in many sports, so research on resistance training (RT) methods that may improve these attributes are of great interest. One such RT method is Progressive Movement Training (PMT) which incorporates a partial range of movement (ROM) with a supramaximal load. PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of PMT and traditional full ROM RT on the 1-RM back squat (BSQ), vertical jump (VJ) height, and power output (PO). METHODS: High school male participants were randomly assigned to either a PMT RT group (n=21, age: 17.4±0.7 yrs, height: 174.9±5.8 cms, mass: 84.7±26.5 kgs) or a full ROM RT group (n=15, age: 17.3±0.7 yrs, height: 175.9±8.8 cms, mass: 82.1±14.9 kgs). The experimental groups then engaged in a 7-week intervention period using either the PMT or full ROM BSQ modality in order to target lower body strength and power. The participant’s body weight, 1-RM BSQ and VJ were measured prior to and upon completion of the intervention period. PO was calculated using the Lewis formula. No additional lower body auxiliary movements were performed in the study. Dependent t-tests (two-tailed) were used to compare the dependent variables (DVs) from pre to post RT intervention within experimental groups. Independent t-tests (two-tailed) were used to compare the gain scores for each of the DVs between experimental groups. RESULTS: The PMT group improved significantly from pre to post intervention period for all DVs: 1-RM BSQ (pre: 96.0±37.8, post: 110.6±37.0 kg), VJ (pre: 55.8±8.0, post: 59.4±9.5 cm) and PO (pre: 1365.8±410.7, post: 1417.2±394.7 W) (p<0.01). The full ROM group improved significantly from pre to post intervention period for the 1-RM BSQ only (pre: 91.3±23.3, post: 102.3±19.4 kg) (p<0.01), VJ (pre: 59.3±9.8, post: 60.7±10.6 cm) (p>0.05) and PO (pre: 1359.3±203.9, post: 1397.1±221.8 W) (p>0.05). When comparing gain scores between each group there were no significant differences between the PMT and full ROM groups for any of the DVs (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the parameters of this study, PMT is as effective and may be more effective than full ROM RT for increasing lower body strength and power.