Journal article
Flywheel resistance training promotes unique muscle architectural and performance‐related adaptations in young adults
European journal of sport science, Vol.24(12), pp.1765-1778
12/2024
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12215
PMCID: PMC11621374
PMID: 39498804
Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the skeletal muscle hypertrophic, architectural, and performance‐related adaptations in response to volume‐matched, total‐body flywheel versus traditional resistance training in a randomized, non‐exercise controlled study in physically active young adults. Thirty‐one healthy young adults (24 ± 3 y) were randomized to 10 weeks of traditional resistance training (TRT; n = 7F/5M), flywheel training (FWRT; n = 7F/4M), or a habitual activity control (CON; n = 5F/3M). Maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT), one repetition‐maximum (1RM) for the free weight squat and bench press, three repetition work maximum (3W max ) for the flywheel squat and bench press, countermovement jump height, and broad jump distance, as well as site‐specific muscle hypertrophy, fascicle length (FL), and pennation angle, were measured. Both TRT and FWRT increased MVIT ( p ≤ 0.021) and FFM ( p ≤ 0.032) compared to CON. However, TRT promoted superior improvements in free weight squat and bench 1RM ( p < 0.001), and FWRT improved flywheel 3W max squat and bench ( p < 0.001). FWRT increased the FL and cross‐sectional area of the distal VL, countermovement jump height, and broad jump distance ( p ≤ 0.048), whereas TRT increased the pennation angle and cross‐sectional area of the proximal VL. Therefore, 10 weeks of volume‐matched, total‐body traditional, and flywheel resistance training similarly increased maximal isometric strength and fat‐free mass. However, FWRT promoted unique skeletal muscle architectural adaptations that likely contributed to region‐specific VL hypertrophy and jump performance improvements. Thus, FWRT provides a novel training stimulus that promotes architectural adaptations that support improved athletic performance in a manner that is not provided by traditional resistance exercise training.
Highlights Participants using the flywheel isoinertial training device developed unique skeletal muscle adaptations in the vastus lateralis compared to the traditional resistance training group. The flywheel group also increased both their countermovement jump height and broad jump distance, whereas there were no improvements in the traditional resistance training group. The traditional training group had greater improvements in the free weight back squat and bench press compared to the flywheel group. Both groups improved fat‐free mass and isometric strength to a similar degree compared to the habitually exercising control group.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Flywheel resistance training promotes unique muscle architectural and performance‐related adaptations in young adults
- Creators
- Nile F. Banks - University of IowaAlexander C. Berry - University of IowaEmily M. Rogers - University of IowaNathaniel D. M. Jenkins - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- European journal of sport science, Vol.24(12), pp.1765-1778
- DOI
- 10.1002/ejsc.12215
- PMID
- 39498804
- PMCID
- PMC11621374
- NLM abbreviation
- Eur J Sport Sci
- ISSN
- 1746-1391
- eISSN
- 1536-7290
- Publisher
- WILEY
- Grant note
- National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation
The authors would like to say a massive thank you to Kyle Gifford, Xavier Falcon, Morgan Wolf, and Emma Trachta for helping with the training of participants. We would also like to thank the participants for giving their time to this research study. Finally, we would like to thank the National Strength and Conditioning Association Foundation, which supported this study with a Doctoral Graduate Student Research Grant. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by the ACSM.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 11/05/2024
- Date published
- 12/2024
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984742659602771
Metrics
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