Weight Training Group Research Articles

Effects of Long-Term Aerobic or Weight Training Regimens on Gait in an Older, Osteoarthritic Population

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effects of aerobic walking and weight training interventions on gait mechanics and knee pain in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). One hundred three older adults (age ≥60 years) with radio-graphic evidence of knee OA were randomized to one of three treatment groups: aerobic walking, health education control, or weight training. Both exercise intervention groups exercised 3 days · week-1for 18 months. The aerobic group significantly improved temporal components of gait as well as knee and ankle joint kinematics relative to the health education group across the 18-month intervention. Moreover, the weight training group exhibited significantly greater ankle plantar flexion velocity. Analysis of the ground reaction forces indicated that the aerobic group exhibited significantly greater force relative to the health education group. Finally, both exercise groups exhibited significantly less knee pain than the health education group. The results suggest that long-term aerobic walking and, to a lesser extent, weight training regimens improve walking mechanics in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. These improvements in gait are associated with a reduction in knee pain during activities of daily living.

Contrasting effects of resistance and aerobic training on body composition and metabolism after diet-induced weight loss

This study examined whether exercise training facilitates maintenance of body weight at reduced levels following weight loss by attenuating weight loss-induced reductions in resting metabolism and fat oxidation. The effects of 12 weeks (three times per week) of either aerobic or weight training exercise on body weight, body composition, and energy metabolism during rest and following a meal in 18 older (mean ± SE, 61 ± 1 years; range, 56 to 70) subjects who had recently lost a mean of 9 ± 1 kg were studied. During the exercise training period, the aerobic training group (five women, four men) had a significant ( P < .05) reduction in body weight (−2.5 ± 0.6 kg) as compared with the weight training group (five women, four men) (0.4 ± 0.9 kg). Eight of nine aerobic training subjects lost additional weight, while six of nine weight training subjects gained weight. Neither type of training reversed the depressions in resting metabolism or fat oxidation rates (ie, resting or postprandial) that had occurred as a consequence of the prior weight loss. Thus, alterations in resting metabolism or fat oxidation (resting or postprandial) do not appear to be the mechanism(s) by which exercise training facilitates maintenance of diet-induced weight loss.

Aerobic and resistance exercise training effects on body composition, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness in an hiv—1 population

Although HIV-1 infection rates peaked in the 1980s in the United States, advanced stage HIV disease will grow by about 40% in the next 40 years. This fact has signaled the need for intervention strategies that go beyond primary prevention and into treatment of the complications associated with this chronic disease. Recently, the role of exercise in reversing the wasting process experienced by individuals with HIV-1 has received much needed attention. The purpose of this study was to examine the independent contributions of a 12-week aerobic or resistance weight training exercise regimen in improving body composition, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness in an HIV-1 population. Participants for this study (N = 33) were randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise training group, a resistance weight training group, or a stretching/flexibility control group. Measures of body composition, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness were assessed both prior to and following completion of the intervention. In general, the results revealed significant improvements in the amount of lean muscle tissue, upper and lower body muscular strength, and predicted VO(2)max for exercise participants, whereas control participants experienced declines in all physiological measures. Based on these findings, it is suggested that exercise may be one complimentary therapeutic modality capable of combating the wasting process associated with advanced HIV-1 infection.

Exercise as an Intervention for Enhancing Subjective Well-Being in an HIV-1 Population

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of regular exercise participation as an intervention for enhancing subjective well-being in an HIV-1 population. Specifically, this study investigated the effects of a 12-week exercise intervention on physical self-efficacy, positive and negative mood, and life satisfaction. Participants (N = 33) were randomly assigned to either an aerobic exercise training group (n = 11), a resistance weight-training group (n = 12), or a stretching/flexibility control group (n = 10). Results indicated that both aerobic and weight-training exercise interventions enhanced physical self-efficacy, positive and negative mood, and satisfaction with life. Conversely, control participants experienced declines in each of these variables. Taken together, the findings seem to suggest that exercise may be one therapeutic modality capable of enhancing components of subjective well-being and should be considered a complimentary therapy for treating the psychological and emotional manifestations associated with a positive HIV-1 diagnosis.

Influence of Weight Training on State Anxiety, Body Awareness and Blood Pressure

The primary purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of one session of recreational weight training on state anxiety and related constructs. State anxiety, body awareness and blood pressure were evaluated before and within 5-min following 50-min of self-selected weight training activity in a group of 25 subjects, and following 50-min of non-activity for 25 control subjects. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that state anxiety did not change (p > 0.05) significantly following weight training or quiet rest. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body awareness in the weight training group, as well as a significant (p < 0.05) trials by conditions interaction in systolic blood pressure. The control group experienced a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 5 mmHg, whereas the exercise group had an increase in blood pressure of 5 mmHg. It is concluded that state anxiety is not altered immediately following one session of recreational weight training activity, but this activity does produce increases in body awareness and systolic blood pressure.

Physical Activity and Cognitive Performance in the Older Population

The effect of exercise on cognitive performance in an older population was studied. Thirty sedentary men and women 65–72 years of age were randomly assigned to a walking group, a weight training group, or a placebo control group. Intervention groups exercised 30–60 min 5 days per week for 16 weeks, with the walking group training at 60% heart rate reserve, the weight training group employing the DAPRE method of weight progression, and the placebo control group engaging in mild range-of-motion and flexibility movements that kept their heart rates close to resting levels. At baseline and 16 weeks posttraining each subject completed the Ross Information Processing Assessment (RIPA), a maximal graded treadmill test, and a strength assessment of the knee extensors and elbow flexors. Sixteen weeks of walking improved VO2peak of the sedentary subjects 15.8%; VO2peak did not improve in the other two groups. Additionally, the RIPA scores of the walking group increased 7.5%, while those of the weight-training and control groups showed little change.

Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Activity in Weight Trainers and Sedentary Controls

Natural killer cell cytotoxic activity (NKCA) and the proportion of circulating natural killer (NK) cells were compared in 10 weight trainers versus 10 sedentary controls. Height, weight, and percent body fat did not differ significantly between the two groups. The average subject in the weight training group was able to squat 1.8 times his body weight, lifted weight more than 6 hours a week, and had been a weight trainer for nearly 9 years. NKCA did not differ between the weight training and control groups (166 ± 33 vs. 155 ± 27 lytic units, respectively), and the proportion of NK cells was the same (15.1 ± 1.9% vs. 15.1 ± 1.3%, respectively). The results of this cross-sectional study of long-term weight trainers and sedentary controls indicate no significant differences in NKCA. The two groups did not differ in the distribution of lymphocytes or natural killer cells, lending strength to this conclusion.

Baseball Throwing Velocity

This study examined the effect of upper body plyometric training, using medicine balls, and upper body conventional weight training on baseball throwing velocity and strength levels as assessed by a 6-RM bench press. Twenty-four junior development baseball players took part in an 8-week training study in conjunction with their baseball training. They were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a medicine ball training group, a weight training group, and a control group. The first group performed explosive upper body medicine ball throws, the weight training group performed conven- tional upper body weight training, and the control group only performed their normal baseball training. Pre- and post-training measurements of throwing velocity and 6-RM bench press were recorded. The weight training group produced the greatest increase in throwing velocity and 6-RM strength. The medicine ball group showed no significant increase in throwing velocity but did show a significant increase in strength. For this group of non-strength-trained baseball players, it was more effective to implement a weight training program rather than medicine ball training to increase throwing velocity.

The Effect of Endurance Running on Training Adaptations in Women Participating in a Weight Lifting Program

Twenty-five sedentary women, 18–30 years of age, were studied to determine the effects of an endurance running program on leg strength gains from a weight training program. Subjects were randomly assigned to a weight training group (W), a weight-training-plus-running group (RW), or a control group (C). They trained approximately 1 hour a day, 3 days a week for 9 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly. Percent body fat (%BF), lean body mass (LBM), midpoint thigh girth (MG), and 7.62 cm above the patella (AP) were measured pre- and posttraining, only. Subjects were tested for 1-RM pre- training, at 2-week intervals during training, and posttraining. No significant differences were observed over the experimental period in body weight, %BF, LBM, and MG in any group. The experimental groups had a significantly greater posttest AP as compared to the C group. Significant improvements from pretest levels in dynamic leg strength of 56% for W and 66% for RW were observed. W and RW also achieved a significantly greater dynamic leg strength than the C group. In conclusion, the running program did not interfere with leg strength or girth gains achieved through weight training in previously sedentary female subjects.

Weight-training effects on bone mineral density in early postmenopausal women.

We tested the hypothesis that weight training would be an effective modality in maintaining or increasing bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and bone mineral content (BMC) at the distal wrist in early postmenopausal women. A total of 17 women completed a 9 month weight-training program, and 9 women served as a control group. Resistance training occurred three times per week using exercises designed to increase muscular strength. Mean change in lumbar BMD in the weight-trained group (1.6 +/- 1.2%, mean +/- SEM) was significantly different from the change in the control group (-3.6 +/- 1.5%, p less than 0.01) over the 9 month period. No significant weight-training effect was detected at the femoral neck or distal wrist site. We conclude that weight training may be a useful exercise modality for maintaining lumbar BMD in early postmenopausal women.

Arousal-seeking in risk sport participants

Three independent studies, involving male Australian, Dutch and British subjects, were carried out to examine arousal-seeking (paratelic dominance) in regular performers of risk and safe sports. Research participants comprising samples of risk, safe and, in one case, non-sporting individuals completed the Telic Dominance Scale (TDS). The results indicated that: (a) Australian surfers and sailboarding groups scored similarly and significantly lower than a weight training group on all three TDS subscales and on overall telic dominance; (b) Dutch parachutists and motor-cycle racers scored significantly lower on the arousal avoidance TDS subscale than marathon runners; (c) British glider pilots scored significantly lower on the arousal avoidance TDS subscale than a non-sporting sample of the general public. The findings generally support the view, from reversal theory, that individuals who perform risk sports on a regular basis are arousal seekers.

The Effects of Supplemental Weight Training for Ballet Dancers

The effects of a nine-week supplemental weight training program on college female ballet dancers was investigated. The parameters studied were lower body strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and a subjective evaluation of ballet technique performance. Seven ballet dancers participated in a progressive weight training program for the lower body designed to accommodate the specific needs of ballet. They trained three days a week for nine weeks, while seven other dancers served as a control group. All subjects regularly participated in ballet technique class four days per week for 90 minutes. The weight training group showed significant improvement in adductor strength (15.1 percent), lateral hip flexibility (6.6 percent), anaerobic power (49.5 percent), muscular endurance, ballet precision and overall performance in ballet technique. No increase in limb circumference was observed. It was concluded that a supplemental weight training program for ballet dancers can improve functional leg strength, endurance and anaerobic power without interfering with artistic and physical performance requirements of ballet.

Blood Lactate Response to Weightlifting in Endurance and Weight Trained Men

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine whether weight trained men accumulate greater amounts of blood lactate when working with the same relative resistance as untrained and endurance trained men, and (2) to examine the relationship between the lactate response to weightlifting, external work and weightlifting intensity. Fifteen men were divided into three groups according to training history, and participated in three sets of exhaustive weightlifting (60, 70 and 80 percent of 1 RM), each of which ended in volitional fatigue. Capillary blood was drawn and analyzed for lactate at rest, immediately after each set and every two minutes of recovery to minute 15. External work and intensity were estimated at each set, and total work and intensity were calculated for the entire protocol. The mean lactate response of the weight trained men at 80 percent 1 RM was 21 percent and 30 percent greater than the untrained and endurance trained men, respectively. All groups were similar at the 60 percent and 70 percent exercise intensity. Each group increased blood lactate levels in a linear fashion as exercise intensity increased from the first to the last set. The weight trained men produced greater intensities and external work at each set and for the total workout. Maximal lactates were seen at two minutes post-exercise in all groups. Lactates were related to external work and intensity, with the highest correlation (r = 0.66) between lactate and average intensity of the workout. This study produced an increased absolute blood lactate response in weight trained individuals who were heavier and thus were likely utilizing a larger contracting muscle mass. Total relative work was the only predictor that failed to correlate significantly with lactate, possibly indicating an equal lactate production per kilogram of body weight. Also, the greater external work is probably a reflection of the larger muscle mass of the weight trained group.

Blood Lipid and Hormonal Changes From Jogging and Weight Training of Middle-Aged Men

Resistive training effects on cardiovascular function, serum lipids, and hormone levels are not well understood, thus the results of 12 weeks of weight training or jogging on body composition, time to target heart rate (THR), strength, power, total cholesterol, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, testosterone, dihydrostestosterone, estradiol, LH, and FSH were studied. Male volunteers (X = 44 years) were assigned to weight training (N = 9), jogging (N = 11), or control (N = 13) groups. The THR was determined during progressive loading on a cycle ergometer. Body composition was estimated hydrostatically. Performance variables measured were the half-squat, bench press, and vertical jump. Blood lipids were measured using standard techniques, and hormones were assayed by RIA. Both experimental groups increased lean body mass and decreased fat weight with no change in body weight. Weight trainers and joggers increased time to THR at 6 weeks compared to controls, with joggers being superior to both other groups at 12 weeks. Strength and power measures increased in weight trainers compared to the other groups. Serum HDL-C increased and TC/HDL-C decreased in both experimental groups compared to controls. Estradiol decreased in weight trainers and FSH decreased in joggers. These results suggest that both jogging and weight training may produce desirable changes in physical fitness and health.

Altered Serum Lipoprotein Profiles in Male and Female Power Lifters Ingesting Anabolic Steroids.

In brief: Serum lipoprotein profiles were measured in nine male and three female power lifters who were taking anabolic steroids. Male steroid users had higher total serum cholesterol, lower HDL-C, and lower HDL-apoprotein A-I (apoA-I) levels than a weight-trained reference group that did not use steroids. Female steroid users showed similar trends. Mean serum HDL-C and HDL-C to total cholesterol ratio were lower in male steroid users than in a young male South African population at high risk for atherosclerosis. The ratio of HDL3-C to total HDL-C was higher in steroid users than in the reference group. Ratios of apoA-I to apoA-II were similar in the two groups. These unfavorable lipid profiles suggest that male and female steroid users may face an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Weight Training for Enhancement of Muscular Strength and Athletic Performance

This study was designed to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and weight training (WT) on muscular strength and athletic performance. Thirty college women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: WT, PNF, and control. WT and PNF subjects trained 3 days a week for 8 weeks. All subjects were tested for changes in knee and elbow extensor strength, throwing distance, and vertical jump. The WT group increased strength by 19.3% for knee extension and 20.4% for elbow extension while the PNF group increaseil22.1 and 29.1 %, respectively. PNF also increased throwing distance by 25% and vertical jump by 16% while WT had increases of 12.8 and 9.9% respectively. These findings indicate PNF might be superior to WT in athletic performance enhancement and, therefore, the better modality for athletic conditioning and injury rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;7(5):250-253.

The Montreal Type A Intervention Project: Major findings.

This article reports a comparison of three short-term treatments (aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral stress management, and weight training) in modifying behavioral and cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory psychosocial stressors in healthy Type A men. One hundred seven men completed the treatments and evaluations, 33 in the aerobic exercise group, and 37 each in the cognitive-behavioral stress management and weight-training groups. The stress management group showed significantly greater changes in behavioral reactivity (reductions of 13% to 23% below initial values) than the two physical exercise groups, which did not differ significantly from each other. For physiological reactivity, changes attributable to intervention were trivial for all three treatment groups. The positive finding of reduced behavioral reactivity as a result of the stress management intervention is of potential clinical significance and warrants further exploration. The lack of meaningful reductions in physiological reactivity also requires further exploration in that it raises questions concerning the ability of behavioral treatments in general to modify physiological reactivity, the ability of existing measures to assess accurately changes that are produced and, most fundamental of all, the relevance of physiological reactivity as an outcome measure for treatment efforts with Type As.

The Montreal Type A Intervention Project: major findings.

This article reports a comparison of three short-term treatments (aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral stress management, and weight training) in modifying behavioral and cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory psychosocial stressors in healthy Type A men. One hundred seven men completed the treatments and evaluations, 33 in the aerobic exercise group, and 37 each in the cognitive-behavioral stress management and weight-training groups. The stress management group showed significantly greater changes in behavioral reactivity (reductions of 13% to 23% below initial values) than the two physical exercise groups, which did not differ significantly from each other. For physiological reactivity, changes attributable to intervention were trivial for all three treatment groups. The positive finding of reduced behavioral reactivity as a result of the stress management intervention is of potential clinical significance and warrants further exploration. The lack of meaningful reductions in physiological reactivity also requires further exploration in that it raises questions concerning the ability of behavioral treatments in general to modify physiological reactivity, the ability of existing measures to assess accurately changes that are produced and, most fundamental of all, the relevance of physiological reactivity as an outcome measure for treatment efforts with Type As.

Effects of Prescribed Weight-Training and Basketball Programs on Selected Basketball Skill Test Scores

To determine the effects of prescribed weight-training exercises and a prescribed basketball program on scores of four AAHPER basketball skill tests each of 76 seventh grade students at a junior high school participated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for 16 class periods in one of three programs (weight-training, basketball, and regular physical education), (a) On the front shot, a significant difference was found between the basketball group and the weight-training group, in favor of the former, (b) No other significant differences were found among the three groups on the other skill tests, speed pass, jump and reach, and dribble.

Body Composition Changes in Adult Men during Selected Weight Training and Jogging Programs

Abstract The effects of a weight training program and a jogging program on body composition and structure were studied in adult men. Twenty-one subjects, aged 23-48 years were randomly formed into the following groups: weight training (N = 7), jogging (N = 7), and control group (N = 7). Body composition was assessed by duplicate pre- and posttraining measures of body potassium (whole body 40K scintillation), 11 skinfold thickness sites and 4 body girth sites. The physical training programs were conducted for 13 weeks, 3 days per week, 30 minutes per session. Significant increments in fat-free weight assessed by 40K whole body counting, and in chest and upper arm girths were found in the weight training group relative to decrements in these measures observed in the jogging and control groups. Body fat determined in all three groups from 40K and skinfold thickness measurements did not significantly change, with the exception of a statistically significant decrement in the cheek skinfold measurement of the j...