Effects of Different Isometric Training Programs on Muscle Size and Function in the Elbow Flexors

ZhenFei Zou, Naoshi Morimoto, Miyuki Nakatani, Hirotsugu Morinaga and Yohei Takai ()
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ZhenFei Zou: National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Kanoya 8912393, Kagoshima, Japan
Naoshi Morimoto: Joint Master’s Program in International Development and Peace through Sport, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba 3058577, Ibaraki, Japan
Miyuki Nakatani: The Center for Liberal Arts, Meiji Gakuin University, 1518 Kamikurata, Totsuka, Yokohama 2448539, Kanagawa, Japan
Hirotsugu Morinaga: National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Kanoya 8912393, Kagoshima, Japan
Yohei Takai: National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Kanoya 8912393, Kagoshima, Japan

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: It remains unknown whether a regimen of a combination of high- and low-intensity resistance training increases muscle size and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) simultaneously. This study aimed to clarify the effect of the combination of high- and low-intensity resistance training on muscle size and neuromuscular function in the elbow flexors. Sixteen male adults participated in a 9-week isometric training regimen in elbow joint flexion of each arm. We randomly assigned two different training regimens to left and right arms: one aiming to strengthen maximal strength (ST) and the other aiming to develop muscle size as well as maximal strength, which consists of one contraction to volitional failure with 50% of MVC added to ST (COMB). Following the 3-week training to volitional failure as familiarization, the participants conducted the 6-week ST and COMB training in each arm. Before the intervention, and at the third (Mid) and ninth (Post) weeks, MVC and muscle thickness in the anterior part of the upper arm (ultrasound) were measured. Muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) was derived from the obtained muscle thickness. From Mid to Post, the relative change in MVC was similar in both arms. The COMB regimen increased muscle size, but no significant change was found in ST. Following the 3-week isometric training to volitional failure, the 6-week training regimen for developing maximal voluntary and muscle hypertrophy increased MVC, with increasing mCSA, and the training-induced change in MVC was similar to that for developing maximal voluntary strength alone.

Keywords: muscle thickness; MVC; ultrasound; resistance training (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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