Cycle Ergometer Performance and Maximum Leg and Hip Strength Adaptations to Two Different Methods of Weight-Training

Abstract

The effects of different methods of weight training on strength and short-term work capacity are not clearly understood. This study describes the leg and hip maximum strength and endurance responses to two different weight training methods. Ninety healthy college males were divided into two training groups. Group 1 (G₁, n = 46) used a “periodized” approach of moving from high-volume, low-intensity to low-volume, high-intensity exercise across the training program (11 weeks). Group 2 (G₂, n = 44) used a 3 × 6 RM. Changes in maximum strength were measured with a 1 RM parallel squat. Power capacity was measured by incremental cycle ergometer exercise. A subset of each group (G₁ = 17; G₂ = 14) was used in the estimation of short-term power capacity. The results show that weight training can significantly (p<.01) increase maximum strength and short-term power capacity (endurance) simultaneously and that the periodized group (G₁) produced superior results.