Atle Hole Saeterbakken1, Vidar Andersen2, David G Behm3, Espen Krogseth Krohn-Hansen2, Mats Smaamo2, Marius Steiro Fimland4,5. 1. Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn og Fjordane University College, PB 133, 6851, Sogndal, Norway. atle.saeterbakken@hisf.no. 2. Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn og Fjordane University College, PB 133, 6851, Sogndal, Norway. 3. School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NF, Canada. 4. Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. 5. Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the task-specificity (greater improvements in trained compared to non-trained tasks), transferability and time-course adaptations of resistance-training programs with varying instability requirements. METHOD: Thirty-six resistance-trained men were randomized to train chest press 2 days week-1 for 10 week (6 repetitions × 4 series) using a Swiss ball, Smith machine or dumbbells. A six-repetition maximum-strength test with the aforementioned exercises and traditional barbell chest press were performed by all participants at the first, 7th, 14th and final training session in addition to electromyographic activities of the prime movers measured during isometric bench press. RESULTS: The groups training with the unstable Swiss-ball and dumbbells, but not the stable Smith-machine, demonstrated task-specificity, which became apparent in the early phase and remained throughout the study. The improvements in the trained exercise tended to increase more with instability (dumbbells vs. Smith machine, p = 0.061). The group training with Smith machine had similar improvements in the non-trained exercises. Greater improvements were observed in the early phase of the strength-training program (first-7th session) for all groups in all three exercises, but most notably for the unstable exercises. No differences were observed between the groups or testing times for EMG activity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that among resistance-trained individuals, the concept of task-specificity could be most relevant in resistance training with greater stability requirements, particularly due to rapid strength improvements for unstable resistance exercises.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the task-specificity (greater improvements in trained compared to non-trained tasks), transferability and time-course adaptations of resistance-training programs with varying instability requirements. METHOD: Thirty-six resistance-trained men were randomized to train chest press 2 days week-1 for 10 week (6 repetitions × 4 series) using a Swiss ball, Smith machine or dumbbells. A six-repetition maximum-strength test with the aforementioned exercises and traditional barbell chest press were performed by all participants at the first, 7th, 14th and final training session in addition to electromyographic activities of the prime movers measured during isometric bench press. RESULTS: The groups training with the unstable Swiss-ball and dumbbells, but not the stable Smith-machine, demonstrated task-specificity, which became apparent in the early phase and remained throughout the study. The improvements in the trained exercise tended to increase more with instability (dumbbells vs. Smith machine, p = 0.061). The group training with Smith machine had similar improvements in the non-trained exercises. Greater improvements were observed in the early phase of the strength-training program (first-7th session) for all groups in all three exercises, but most notably for the unstable exercises. No differences were observed between the groups or testing times for EMG activity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that among resistance-trained individuals, the concept of task-specificity could be most relevant in resistance training with greater stability requirements, particularly due to rapid strength improvements for unstable resistance exercises.
Entities:
Keywords:
Bench press; Electromyography; Instability; Strength training
Authors: Atle Hole Saeterbakken; Tom Erik Jorung Solstad; Nicolay Stien; Matthew Peter Shaw; Helene Pedersen; Vidar Andersen Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-09-17 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Atle Hole Saeterbakken; Nicolay Stien; Helene Pedersen; Tom Erik Jorung Solstad; Kristoffer Toldnes Cumming; Vidar Andersen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-14 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Atle Hole Saeterbakken; Tom Erik J Solstad; David G Behm; Nicolay Stien; Matthew Peter Shaw; Helene Pedersen; Vidar Andersen Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2020-08-27 Impact factor: 3.078