Strength Training Does Not Affect the Accuracy of Force Gradation in an Isometric Force Task in Young Men

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate potential differences in fine motor control between strength trained (ST) and non-strength trained (NT) individuals. By use of an isometric force production task, two groups, 20 ST (mean age 25.6, SD 4.9) and 19 NT (mean age 24.1, SD 2.9) male individuals, were measured on the ability to control forces with the muscles of their index finger. The maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was higher in ST than in NT group. Error and SD of the signal increased with increasing force levels in both groups. Despite higher absolute force levels of the ST group, SD and Error were the same in both groups for a given MVC percentage. Signal to noise ratio values showed inverted U-shapes for both groups, with no significant differences between groups on various force levels. The power spectral density analysis disclosed significant differences between groups, with more power in the lowest frequency band (1 - 6 Hz) for the ST group. It is concluded that strength training of arm muscles has no negative effect on the stability of sustained contractions of finger muscles. No evidence was found to support the notion of a loss in accuracy as a result of strength training.