Effects of training with elastic resistance versus conventional resistance on muscular strength: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: Resistance Training

We are glad to introduce the Second Journal Club of Volume Five, Second Issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last few years in the field of resistance training, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the sport, seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.

High-velocity elastic-band training improves hamstring muscle activation and strength in basketball players

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was use surface EMG activity to assess changes in co-activation of knee flexors and extensors muscle groups during elastic-band exercise after 5 weeks of high-velocity elastic-band training in basketball players.

METHODS

College male basketball players (N.=18) were randomly divided into one of two groups: 1) the elastic-band training group performed low-load and high-velocity - lying prone - hamstring curls training three times per week; 2) the control group did not do any training. Pre- and post- training assessment included concentric knee extension and flexion at 60°/s and 240°/s, and the frequency of knee flexion and extension with elastic bands in the prone position. The EMG of the rectus femoris, semitendinosus muscles and the long head of the biceps femoris were assessed during these activities, and 30-m sprint running speed was measured from a stationary start and a running start.

RESULTS

It was shown that high-velocity elastic-band training was 1) feasible, 2) increased movement velocity and 3) muscle strength, 4) altered neural control such that excessive lengthening of the hamstring muscle, and hence strain-injuries, may be prevented and 5) improved sprint performance in basketball players.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that high-velocity elastic-band training may be a tool to prevent hamstring strain-injuries in basketball players.

"NO LOAD" resistance training increases functional capacity and muscle size in hospitalized female patients: A pilot study

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of resistance training performed with no external load (NLRT) versus resistance training performed with elastic bands (RTEB) on muscle hypertrophy and functional performance in hospitalized patients. Twenty hospitalized females (age, 59.05±3.2 years; height 163.6±2.5 cm; body mass 70.2±3.6 kgs) were randomly assigned to RTEB or NLRT. Both groups trained three times a week for five weeks. RTEB was performed with elastic bands, while NLRT involved maximum voluntary contractions with no external loads. Biceps brachii, triceps brachii and pectoralis muscle thickness (MT) were measured by ultrasound. Functional performance was measured by the 30s elbow flexion test. MT significantly increased in all muscles tested for both groups, with no differences between groups. Changes ranged from 14 to 38%. Functional performance significantly improved by 42.7% for NLRT and 52.1% for RTEB, with no difference between them. The present results suggest that NLRT might be an efficient, feasible and low-cost strategy to promote morphological and functional benefits in the upper limb of hospitalized patients.