One-arm maximal strength training improves work economy and endurance capacity but not skeletal muscle blood flow

Kemi, O.J. , Rognmo, O., Amundsen, B.H., Stordahl, S., Richardson, R.S., Helgerud, J. and Hoff, J. (2011) One-arm maximal strength training improves work economy and endurance capacity but not skeletal muscle blood flow. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(2), pp. 161-170. (doi: 10.1080/02640414.2010.529454)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2010.529454

Abstract

Maximal strength training with a focus on maximal mobilization of force in the concentric phase improves endurance performance that employs a large muscle mass. However, this has not been studied during work with a small muscle mass, which does not challenge convective oxygen supply. We therefore randomized 23 adult females with no arm-training history to either one-arm maximal strength training or a control group. The training group performed five sets of five repetitions of dynamic arm curls against a near-maximal load, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. This training increased maximal strength by 75% and improved rate of force development during both strength and endurance exercise, suggesting that each arm curl became more efficient. This coincided with a 17-18% reduction in oxygen cost at standardized submaximal workloads (work economy), and a 21% higher peak oxygen uptake and 30% higher peak load during maximal arm endurance exercise. Blood flow assessed by Doppler ultrasound in the axillary artery supplying the working biceps brachii and brachialis muscles could not explain the training-induced adaptations. These data suggest that maximal strength training improved work economy and endurance performance in the skeletal muscle, and that these effects are independent of convective oxygen supply.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kemi, Dr Ole
Authors: Kemi, O.J., Rognmo, O., Amundsen, B.H., Stordahl, S., Richardson, R.S., Helgerud, J., and Hoff, J.
Subjects:R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:Journal of Sports Sciences
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:0264-0414
ISSN (Online):1466-447X
Published Online:16 December 2010

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