Maximum Isometric Strength Test Research Articles

Analysis of the adductors and abductors' maximum isometric strength on the level of speed and agility in basketball players

Introduction: his study investigated the relationship between hip abductor strength (Abd), adductor strength (Add), straight accelerations and decelerations, and during changes of direction (COD 90°) performance in basketball players. Material and Methods: Fourteen basketball players participated (age = 23.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass = 86.3 ± 5.9 kg, body height = 192.3 ± 6.2 cm, training experience = 6.7 ± 2.6 years). Straight running results and running with a change of direction (COD 90°) have been described as the time (s) obtained for a given length. Following tests were carried out: maximum isometric strength test, 20-m linear sprint and 20-m COD sprint with 90° direction change angles. Following the warm-up, all athletes performed two maximal 20-m linear sprints, interspersed with 5 min rest intervals. Following the 20-m linear sprint test, the participants were provided with a 5 min rest interval before completing the COD tests. Additionally, the balance in isometric strength of the dominant and non-dominant hip Abd-Add muscles were evaluated. Two maximum attempts interspersed with one-minute rest intervals were performed. Results: The t-test revealed statistically significant higher absolute and relative isometric strength of AddR (adductor right) in comparison to AddL (adductor left). Conclusion: The results of this study show that the maximum isometric force and the relative strength of the abductor muscle group have a significant effect on changing direction running. Moreover, hip Abd and Add are typical for strength bilateral strength imbalances. Therefore, the evaluation and development of these qualities are essential for coaches to monitor and prescribe adequate training regimens.

All-suture anchors for distal biceps tendon repair: a preliminary outcome study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcome of double intramedullary all-suture anchors’ fixation for distal biceps tendon ruptures.Materials and methodsA retrospective case series of patients who underwent primary distal biceps tendon repair with all-suture anchors was conducted. Functional outcome was assessed at a minimum follow-up of at 12 months based on the assessments of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Andrews–Carson Score (ACS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. Maximum isometric strength test for flexion and supination as well as postoperative range of motion (ROM) were determined for both arms.Results23 patients treated with all-suture anchors were assessed at follow-up survey (mean age 56.5 ± 11.4 years, 96% male). The follow-up time was 20 months (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 15–23 months). The following outcome results were obtained: MEPS 100 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 100–100); ACS 200 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 195–200); QuickDASH 31 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 30–31); VAS 0 (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 0–0). The mean strength compared to the uninjured side was 95.6% (range Q0.25–Q0.75, 80.9–104%) for flexion and 91.8 ± 11.6% for supination. There was no significant difference in ROM or strength compared to the uninjured side and no complications were observed in any patient.ConclusionDistal biceps tendon refixation using all-suture anchors provides good-to-excellent results in terms of patient-reported and functional outcome. This repair technique appears to be a viable surgical option, although further long-term results are needed.Level of evidenceLevel IV (case series)

Effects of aerobic training combined with strength training with elastic resistance on functional capacity of older adults: a controlled randomized clinical trial

The combination of aerobic (AT) and strength (ST) training, i.e., Combined Training (CT) is a strategy used to combat the deleterious effects of aging. However, ST requires specialized equipment and environments that hinder the practice of the elderly population; thus, elastic devices can help in the practice of ST because they are easy to apply. To evaluate the effects of CT on the functional capacity (FC) of older adults after 8 weeks of intervention. Participants were randomly allocated to the combined training group (CTG) or control group (CG). The CTG performed, with 3 weekly sessions, a TA (70–85% of the heart rate reserve) followed by ST with elastic tubes (6 exercises; 2 × 15 repetitions) with load progression through the perception of effort scale, color, and elastic extension. Before and after the intervention, six FC tests and a maximum isometric strength test of the knee extensors were evaluated. Two-way ANOVA was applied, with Bonferroni post hoc, adopting a p < 0.05. Twenty-two older people participated in the study (CTG, 62.91 ± 5.88; CG, 62.70 ± 5.29), of both sexes (CTG, 8/4; CG, 6/4). An improvement of 6.60% was observed in the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.026), 20.56% in the sit and stand test (p = 0.007), 17.71% in the elbow flexion test (p = 0.026), and 15.64% and 26.94% for the right (p = 0.026) and left knee extensors (p = 0.006), respectively, for the CTG compared to the CG. AT associated with ST with elastic tubes was effective in improving FC and knee extensor muscle strength in older adults. RBR-8FDWTH; retrospectively registered. March 10, 2020.

Neuromuscular fatigue effects on Hamstring to Quadriceps Ratio in young female players

Abstract Introduction Two of the main modifiable risk factors for suffering an injury in the anterior cruciate ligament are known to be the Hamstring-to-Quadriceps (H/Q) Ratio and neuromuscular fatigue. The main purpose of this research was to study the effect of neuromuscular fatigue on the H/Q Ratio and the maximum isometric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings in teenage female basketball and handball players. Material and methods This is an experimental, pre-post intervention study with a sample of 19 female basketball players and 11 female handball players (17.02 ± 1.19 yo, 177.8 ± 7.2 cm and 68.6 ± 9.3 kg). To assess muscle strength, a maximum isometric strength test was performed in a 90° hip and 60° knee position. The H/Q Ratio was then calculated. The 30–15 Intermittent Fatigue Test (30–15 IFT) was used to induce fatigue, measured using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. A descriptive analysis and a Student's t-test were performed to study the differences in the H/Q Ratio, muscle strength and pre-post intervention fatigue. Results Although the H/Q Ratio decreased after the 30–15 IFT, the differences were not statistically significant. Regarding strength values, the right and left quadriceps presented strength reductions of 4.52% and 5.55%, respectively. The reduction in strength was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05), especially in the right hamstring (7.3%) and in the left hamstring (7.5%). The study conclusions suggest that leg muscular strength decreases after a fatigue test and that there is a tendency for the H/Q Ratio to decrease also.

Non-invasively measured central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake differ between patients with chronic heart failure and healthy controls

BackgroundMaximum oxygen uptake is an established measurement of diagnosing chronic heart failure and underlies various central and peripheral factors. However, central and peripheral factors are little investigated, because they are usually measured invasively. The aim of this study was to compare non-invasively measured central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake between patients with chronic heart failure and healthy controls.MethodsTen male patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (62 ± 4 years; body mass index: 27.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2; ejection fraction: 30 ± 4%) and ten male healthy controls (59 ± 3 years; body mass index: 27.7 ± 1.3 kg/m2) were tested for blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, and cardiac power output (central factors) as well as muscle oxygen saturation of the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii muscle (peripheral factors) during an incremental cycling test. Stroke volume and muscle oxygen saturation were non-invasively measured by a bioreactance analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Additionally, a maximum isometric strength test of the knee extensors was conducted. Magnitude-based inferences were computed for statistical analyses.ResultsPatients had a likely to most likely lower oxygen uptake, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate at maximum load as well as very likely lower isometric peak torque. Contrary, patients had a possibly to likely higher stroke volume and muscle oxygen saturation of the vastus lateralis muscle at maximum load. Differences in cardiac output, cardiac power output, and muscle oxygen saturation of the biceps brachii muscle at maximum load were unclear.ConclusionsNon-invasively measured central and peripheral factors of oxygen uptake differ between patients with chronic heart failure and healthy controls. Therefore, it is promising to measure both types of factors in patients with chronic heart failure to optimize the diagnosis and therapy.

Functional training in comparison to traditional training on physical fitness and quality of movement in older women

The functional training (FT) is based on the application of exercises with free weights in patterns of movements that resemble the daily activities of the individual. On the other hand, traditional training (TT) seeks to improve muscular fitness, through exercises predominantly performed in conventional machines. Lately, there has been a lack of research comparing these two methods to understand their real effects on functionality. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of functional and traditional strength training on physical fitness and movement quality in sedentary older women. Thirty-two elderly women were randomly divided into (1) functional training (FT n = 13; 64.8 ± 4.6 years) and (2) traditional training (TT n = 12; 66.0 ± 5.5 years). To verify the physical fitness for daily activities, the Senior Fitness battery was applied and, in a complementary way, a maximum isometric strength test and quality of movement patterns. At the end of 8 weeks, when compared to TT, the FT promoted significant increases in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.03, + 8.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03; + 19%), upper limbs strength (p = 0.02, + 15.6%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.02, + 8.5%) and isometric strength (p = 0.04, + 16.5%). At the end of 12 weeks, the FT showed significant differences in the variables: balance/agility (p = 0.00, + 10.5%), lower limb strength (p = 0.03, + 17.9%), cardiorespiratory capacity (p = 0.01; + 6.7%) and in the quality of movement (p = 0.02; + 16.6%) when compared to TT. The functional training proven more effective than traditional in physical fitness for daily activities and quality of movement patterns in sedentary older women.

Association Between Lower Extremity Muscular Strength And Functional Performance In Community-Dwelling Elderly

The combination of aging with reduced muscle mass and muscle strength results in a higher risk of falls, hospitalizations, dependence, poorer quality of life, and all-cause mortality. Our hypothesis, in the present study, is that the elderly who present higher values in gait speed, as well as lower values in the Time Up and Go test, will have higher values of lower limb muscle strength. PURPOSE: To correlate functional capacity of walking and time up and go tests with the maximal isometric lower limb strength test in community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Thirty-two elderly (2 men; age: 72 ± 9,2 yrs; body mass: 66 ± 10,6 kg; height: 152,27 ± 7,79 cm) who attended the Centro de Convivência do Idoso located in Paranoá, Brasília, DF participated. The tests were performed in an integrated and dynamic circuit format, where each station had a single evaluator. The maximal isometric muscle strength of lower limbs used the mid tight pull position where a traction dynamometer (E-lastic) was fixed to the ground by a metal chain and at its other end a hand strap. The elderly were instructed to perform their maximal concentric movement strength with semi-flexed knees and extended arms for 3-5 seconds with verbal encouragement. The muscle strength was measured in kilograms (kg). In the Walking Test (TC), the elderly should walk through the distance of 10m as fast as possible. Gait speed (m/s) was calculated. In the Time Up and Go (TUG) test, the elderly should get up from a chair without the aid of their arms and walk at a comfortable pace at a distance of three meters, get around an obstacle, return and sit again while time to end the task was measured. A Pearson correlation coefficient was determined between the maximum isometric strength test and the walking and time up and go tests. The statistical package adopted was SPSS (IBM, version 23). RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant and moderate correlation for gait speed and lower limb muscle strength (r = 0.391; p = 0.033) as well as the functional test and lower limb muscle strength level (r = -0.376; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Elderly who had higher lower limb strength values obtained the shortest times in the time up and go test and the highest gait speed in the walking test.

Simulated hip abductor strengthening reduces peak joint contact forces in patients with total hip arthroplasty

Lower extremity muscle strength training is a focus of rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Strength of the hip abductor muscle group is a predictor of overall function following THA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hip abductor strengthening following rehabilitation on joint contact forces (JCFs) in the lower extremity and low back during a high demand step down task. Five THA patients performed lower extremity maximum isometric strength tests and a stair descent task. Patient-specific musculoskeletal models were created in OpenSim and maximum isometric strength parameters were scaled to reproduce measured pre-operative joint torques. A pre-operative forward dynamic simulation of each patient performing the stair descent was constructed using their corresponding patient-specific model to predict JCFs at the ankle, knee, hip, and low back. The hip abductor muscles were strengthened with clinically supported increases (0–30%) above pre-operative values in a probabilistic framework to predict the effects on peak JCFs (99% confidence bounds). Simulated hip abductor strengthening resulted in lower peak JCFs relative to pre-operative for all five patients at the hip (18.9–23.8 ± 16.5%) and knee (20.5–23.8 ± 11.2%). Four of the five patients had reductions at the ankle (7.1–8.5 ± 11.3%) and low back (3.5–7.0 ± 5.3%) with one patient demonstrating no change. The reduction in JCF at the hip joint and at joints other than the hip with hip abductor strengthening demonstrates the dynamic and mechanical interdependencies of the knee, hip and spine that can be targeted in early THA rehabilitation to improve overall patient function.

Crioterapia moderada: uma alternativa no tratamento da lesão celular induzida pelo exercício

Objetivo: analisar o efeito da crioterapia moderada com imersão (15º celsius - C), nas respostas inflamatórias musculares, nas variáveis bioquímicas e neuromotoras após uma sessão de exercício de força excêntrico. Procedimentos Metodológicos: 18 homens (18-25 anos) saudáveis, não praticantes de exercício físico e que participaram voluntariamente da pesquisa foram recrutados. Inicialmente foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo Controle (GC), Grupo Exercício (GE) e Grupo Exercício + Crioterapia (EX + CT). Após a aleatorização, os voluntários seguiram para realização de testes: a) bioquímico (Creatina Quinase - CK), b) neuromotor (amplitude de movimento - ÂNGULO), c) escala de dor - DOR e d) um teste de força isométrica máxima. Em seguida, os grupos experimentais realizaram séries de ações excêntricas máximas para região anterior e posterior da perna no exercício sentadinha. Após a sessão analisou-se CK, ÂNGULO e DOR, nos momentos 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas. Os sujeitos do EX + CT receberam tratamento crioterápico imediatamente após a sessão e nos momentos 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas subsequentes. Resultados: Em comparação com o repouso, os valores de CK, DOR e ÂNGULO apresentaram aumento significativo após as sessões nos grupos experimentais. O GE exibiu valores significativamente superior ao EX + CT em todas as variáveis analisadas. Conclusão: A crioterapia mostrou-se uma alternativa viável no tratamento da miopatia do exercício e da dor muscular tardia.

Trunk Muscle Function Deficit in Youth Baseball Pitchers With Excessive Contralateral Trunk Tilt During Pitching.

Pitching technique is one of many factors that affect injury risk. Exhibiting excessive contralateral trunk tilt (CLT) during pitching has been linked to higher ball speed but also to increased joint loading. Deficit in trunk muscle strength has been suggested as an underlying cause of this movement pattern. The purpose of the study was to compare trunk muscle strength between youth baseball pitchers with varying degree of CLT during pitching. Cross-sectional study. Baseball practice fields. Twenty-eight youth baseball pitchers. Pitching technique was captured using a video camera. Based on the 2-dimensional trunk contralateral flexion angle, pitchers were categorized into low (<15 degrees), moderate (15-30 degrees), or high (>30 degrees) CLT groups. Maximum isometric strength tests for trunk flexion, extension, and bilateral rotation, measured using a dynamometer. The pitchers with high CLT (n = 10) had longer pitching experience (P = 0.014), produced higher ball speed (P = 0.003) compared with the pitchers with moderate (n = 10) and low (n = 8) CLT, but demonstrated greater asymmetry in trunk rotation strength (relative weakness in rotation strength toward dominant side) compared with the pitchers with low CLT (P = 0.015). Excessive CLT may be a strategy that young pitchers learn to achieve higher ball velocity but also may be associated with imbalance between the oblique muscles on dominant and nondominant side, which may be acquired from repetitive pitching. Strengthening and emphasizing the use of dominant side oblique muscles may keep pitchers from leaning excessively during pitching and thus decrease joint loading.

Correlation between maximum isometric strength variables and specific performance of Brazilian military judokas

It was our objective to correlate specific performance in the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the maximum isometric handgrip (HGSMax), scapular traction (STSMax) and lumbar traction (LTSMax) strength tests in military judo athletes. Twenty-two military athletes from the judo team of the Brazilian Navy Almirante Alexandrino Instruction Centre, with average age of 26.14 ± 3.31 years old, and average body mass of 83.23 ± 14.14 kg participated in the study. Electronic dynamometry tests for HGSMax, STSMax and LTSMax were conducted. Then, after approximately 1 hour-interval, the SJFT protocol was applied. All variables were adjusted to the body mass of the athletes. Pearson correlation coefficient for statistical analysis was used. The results showed moderate negative correlation between the SJFT index and STSMax (r= -0.550, p= 0.008), strong negative correlations between the SJFT index and HGSMax (r= -0.706, p&lt; 0.001), SJFT index and LTSMax (r= -0.721; p= 0.001), besides the correlation between the sum of the three maximum isometric strength tests and the SJFT index (r= -0.786, p&lt; 0.001). This study concludes that negative correlations occur between the SJFT index and maximum isometric handgrip, shoulder and lumbar traction strength and the sum of the three maximum isometric strength tests in military judokas.

Proprioceptive deficit in patients with complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament

ObjectiveTo investigate the existence of proprioceptive deficits between the injured limb and the uninjured (i.e. contralateral normal) limb, in individuals who suffered complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), using a strength reproduction test. MethodsSixteen patients with complete tearing of the ACL participated in the study. A voluntary maximum isometric strength test was performed, with reproduction of the muscle strength in the limb with complete tearing of the ACL and the healthy contralateral limb, with the knee flexed at 60°. The meta-intensity was used for the procedure of 20% of the voluntary maximum isometric strength. The proprioceptive performance was determined by means of absolute error, variable error and constant error values. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the control group and ACL group for the variables of absolute error (p=0.05) and constant error (p=0.01). No difference was found in relation to variable error (p=0.83). ConclusionOur data corroborate the hypothesis that there is a proprioceptive deficit in subjects with complete tearing of the ACL in an injured limb, in comparison with the uninjured limb, during evaluation of the sense of strength. This deficit can be explained in terms of partial or total loss of the mechanoreceptors of the ACL.

Déficit proprioceptivo em pacientes com ruptura total do ligamento cruzado anterior

ObjectiveTo investigate the existence of proprioceptive deficits between the injured limb and the uninjured (i.e. contralateral normal) limb, in individuals who suffered complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), using a strength reproduction test. MethodsSixteen patients with complete tearing of the ACL participated in the study. A voluntary maximum isometric strength test was performed, with reproduction of the muscle strength in the limb with complete tearing of the ACL and the healthy contralateral limb, with the knee flexed at 60°. The meta‐intensity was used for the procedure of 20% of the voluntary maximum isometric strength. The proprioceptive performance was determined by means of absolute error, variable error and constant error values. ResultsSignificant differences were found between the control group and ACL group for the variables of absolute error (p=0.05) and constant error (p=0.01). No difference was found in relation to variable error (p=0.83). ConclusionOur data corroborate the hypothesis that there is a proprioceptive deficit in subjects with complete tearing of the ACL in an injured limb, in comparison with the uninjured limb, during evaluation of the sense of strength. This deficit can be explained in terms of partial or total loss of the mechanoreceptors of the ACL.

No Effect of Carbohydrate-Protein on Cycling Performance and Indices of Recovery

The aim of this study was to determine whether adding protein to a CHO beverage would improve late-exercise cycle time-trial performance over CHO alone. Furthermore, we examined the effects of coingesting protein with CHO during exercise on postexercise markers of sarcolemmal disruption and the recovery of muscle function. In a double-blind, crossover design, 12 trained male cyclists performed 120 min of steady-state (SS) cycling at approximately 55% VO2max followed by a time trial lasting approximately 1 h. At 15-min intervals during SS exercise, participants consumed either a CHO or a CHO + protein (CHO + Pro) beverage (providing 65 g x h(-1) CHO or 65 g x h(-1) CHO plus 19 g x h(-1) protein). Twenty-four hours after the onset of the SS cycle, participants completed a maximum isometric strength test. At rest and 24 h postexercise, a visual analog scale was used to determine lower-limb muscle soreness, and blood samples were obtained for plasma creatine kinase concentration. Dietary control was implemented 24 h before and during the time course of each trial. Average power output sustained during time trial was similar for CHO and CHO + Pro, with no effect of treatment on the time to complete the time trial (60:13 +/- 1:33 and 60:51 +/- 2:40 (min:s) for CHO and CHO + Pro, respectively). Postexercise isometric strength significantly declined for CHO (15% +/- 3%) and CHO + Pro (11% +/- 3%) compared with baseline (486 +/- 28 N). Plasma creatine kinase concentrations, and visual analog scale soreness significantly increased at 24 h postexercise, with no difference between treatments. The present findings suggest that CHO + Pro coingestion during exercise does not improve late-exercise time-trial performance, ameliorate markers of sarcolemmal disruption, or enhance the recovery of muscle function at 24 h postexercise over CHO alone.

EVALUATION OF 3 PROTOCOLS TO ELICIT DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS IN THE LUMBAR EXTENSOR MUSCLES 382

The purpose of this study was to generate a protocol to elicit delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the lumbar extensor (LE) muscles. Seventeen healthy adults (8 women, 9 men) completed a maximum isometric strength test to determine peak torque. The subjects were then placed into one of three groups. Group 1 (n=6) performed 2 sets of 25 repetitions with a weight load that required 100% peak torque to lift (concentric actions were assisted), group 2(n=7) performed 4 sets of 25 repetitions at 40% peak torque, and group 3 (n=4) performed 10 sets of 10 repetitions at 40% peak torque. Pain and soreness were measured using standard scales at baseline, post-exercise, and every 6 h to 60 h post-exercise. Pain (see figure) and soreness were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Subjects in group 1 had significantly(p≤.05) higher pain and soreness and took longer to reach peak pain and soreness (45-48 h vs. immediate post-exercise) compared to groups 2 & 3. Soreness values for group 1 remained above baseline for 60 h while groups 2& 3 returned to baseline within 24 h. These results indicate that the exercise performed by group 1, which emphasized eccentric muscle actions elicits significant DOMS in the LE muscles. As reported for other muscle groups, accentuated eccentric LE muscle actions produced greater pain and soreness than exercise that allows volitional completion of concentric actions.

Effect of resistance training on lumbar extension strength

Development of a new testing machine, which stabilizes the pelvis, allowed us to evaluate the lumbar extensor muscles before and after training. Fifteen healthy subjects (29.1 +/- 8 years of age) trained 1 day per week for 10 weeks and 10 healthy subjects (33.7 +/- 16 years of age) acted as controls. Training consisted of 6 to 15 repetitions of full range of motion variable resistance lumbar extension exercise to volitional fatigue and periodic maximal isometric contractions taken at seven angles through a full range of motion. Before and after the 10 week training period, subjects completed a maximum isometric strength test at seven angles through a 72 degrees range of motion (0 degrees, 12 degrees, 24 degrees, 36 degrees, 48 degrees, 60 degrees, and 72 degrees of lumbar flexion). The training group significantly improved in lumbar extension strength at all angles (P less than or equal to 0.01). The result at 0 degrees (full extension) showed an increase from 180.0 +/- 25 Nm to 364.1 +/- 43 Nm (+102%) and at 72 degrees (full flexion) from 427.4 +/- 44.1 to 607.4 +/- 68 (+42%) Nm. Results from the control group showed no change (P greater than or equal to 0.05). The magnitude of gain shown by the training group reflects the low initial trained state of the lumbar extensor muscles. These data indicate that when the lumbar area is isolated through pelvic stabilization, the isolated lumbar extensor muscles show an abnormally large potential for strength increase.

Relation of Maximum Isometric Strength and Relative Isotonic Endurance of the Elbow Flexors of Athletes

Abstract The study investigated the relationship between maximum isometric strength and relative isotonic endurance of athletes with different levels of strength. Subjects were 120 male college athletes who were divided into three equal groups based on the sums of their maximum isometric strength scores over the entire study. Group I was composed of the 40 strongest subjects, while Group III contained the 40 weakest subjects. The remaining 40 subjects were placed in Group II, or middle level strength. All subjects were tested for maximum isometric strength on three successive days using the flexor muscles of the forearm. Relative isotonic endurance was also performed on three successive days by all subjects using a modified arm lever ergometer, the relative load for each test being determined from the maximum isometric strength test for that particular day. Relative loads used in the present study were 35%, 40%, and 45% of maximum isometric strength. Results indicated that there was a positive and signifi...

Maximum Isometric Strength and Relative Muscular Endurance Gains and Their Relationships

Abstract The relationship between maximum isometric strength and relative muscular endurance, as well as the relationship between maximum isometric strength and strength gains, and relative muscular endurance and endurance gains following a progressive resistance isotonic training program were investigated. Subjects were 40 male volunteers enrolled in required physical education classes at the University of Maryland. Prior to the initial test period, the volunteers were randomly divided into a control (N = 20) and an experimental (N = 20) group. All subjects were tested for maximum isometric strength on four successive days, using the flexor muscles of the forearm, before and after six weeks of high-intensity, low-repetition strength training. Relative muscular endurance was also tested on four successive days by all subjects, using a modified arm-lever ergometer, with the relative load for each test determined from the maximum isometric strength test for that particular day. Relative loads used in the pr...