Research in Sport Medicine and Technology

The purpose of this study was to compare effect of 4 weeks of strength training in two ways of accommodation and constant resistant methods on maximum strength and power of trained athletes. Sixteen Wushu athletes and wrestlers chosen from Tehran’s clubs with a mean age of 20.50 ±2.00years, height 174.34 ± 6.53cm, weight 70.22 ± 10.50 Kg, and body fat percent, 12.87 ±. 4. 23 participated in this study. After the initial testing of the variables of maximum strength (1RM), upper body power (medicine ball to throw, cm) lower body power (vertical jump, watt) Body fat percent (Skin Fold three point), limb circumference (cm) and Weight (kg), divided in two equal groups. Each group has done resistance strength training program for 4 weeks, three sessions per week, with 85% of their 1RM, with three sets and 5 repetitions with Squat and bench press exercises. But in case of accommodation group, 20% of their 1RM was used by chain through the full range of motion. At the end of the training, re-test of dependent variables were performed under similar conditions. Covariance analysis was used to compare the progressof power and strength between the two groups. This study showed that weight (p=0.391), limb circumferences (P=143), fat (P=0.413), the upper body power (P=0.267), lower body power (P=0.252) and the maximum upper body strength (P=0. 803) there was no significant difference between groups, but in case of maximum strength of lower body (P=0.04) there was significant difference between the two groups. In analyzing the results, although most variables did not show significant difference, but the effects sizeanalyzing of groups showed that in upper body power (ES=0.62), lower body power (ES= 0.64),upper body strength (ES=0.13)and lower body strength (ES=1.84), the results were in favor of accommodation group. This difference in the maximal strength in accommodation group were (62.15% in the upper body, 68.38% lower body) and in constant strength group (86.14% in the upper body, 84.21% in the lower body) respectively. Also the effect size of power for accommodation group were (97.6% upper body, 61.6% lower body) and in constant group (16.4% upper body, 67.4% lower body), respectively. This study showed that in order to increase maximal strength and power, accommodation training method is more effective than traditional constant training.

The purpose of the current study was the effect of 8-week high intensity resistance training (the Split training method), on Testosterone, Cortisol and Testosterone/Cortisol serum level and its influence on muscle mass and development of muscle strength. 20 persons beginner in bodybuilding (body mass index: 23.80±2.25 kg/m2; age: 24.65±2.55 year) participated in this study. The subjects divided randomly into strength training (10 persons) and control groups (10 persons). Training program was designed according to the Split method with 85%-100% of 1RM for six times per weeks. The same strength and duration was applied for the control group based on the traditional training. Before and after training the thickness of Triceps muscle was measured with ultrasound in both groups. Resting blood samples were collected before and after training. The results showed, compared with traditional training, training with Split method increased muscle strength (p=0.01), muscle mass (p=0.001) and the Testosterone to Cortisol (T/C) ratio (p=0.02). Moreover, there were significant correlation between the maximum strength and hypertrophy(r=0/55, p=0/001) and between (T/C) and maximum strength (r=0/74, p=0/03). The results of this study shows that resistance training with high intensity (the Split Training Method) causes increase in anabolic stimulation and muscle mass which subsequently increases maximum strength.