PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of different resistance training structures on basic physical fitness, 1-repetition maximum (1RM), and isokinetic shoulder and knee muscle functions in male college students. METHODS Forty college students were divided into four groups: control group (CG, n=10), compound set training group (CSG, n=10), pyramid set training group (PSG, n=10), and superset training group (SSG, n=10). Excluding CG, each group performed a different resistance exercise method at an intensity of 60~80% 1RM for 60~90 min, three times a week for eight weeks. To compare the effects of resistance training structures, we confirmed body composition, basic physical fitness, 1RM, as well as isokinetic shoulder and knee functions. RESULTS Results indicated that the PSG exhibited the most significant improvement in relative peak torque in isokinetic shoulder and knee testing compared to the other groups. Additionally, all exercise groups positively affected back strength, 40m sprint, and 1RM compared to the CG, although no significant differences were observed among exercise groups. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of pyramidal resistance training in improving isokinetic shoulder and knee muscle functions in male college students.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether foam roller, preexhaustion, and static stretching had any effect on isometric muscular endurance of the finger flexors and climbing performance in sport climbers. METHODS Nine sport climbers who were able to perform at a climbing difficulty of 5.11d, were included in this study. Warm-up exercise consisted of myofascial release, pre-exhaustion exercises, and static stretching. Grip and back strengths were measured for muscular strength, and isometric muscular endurance of the finger flexors was measured as the time spent hanging on each hold according to the angle of the elbow joint. Repeated measures of ANOVA were performed to confirm the difference in treatment, and a significant difference between groups was confirmed by contrast test. RESULTS Myofascial release, pre-exhaustion, and static stretching before climbing did not affect muscle strength. However, the static stretching exercise significantly decreased isometric muscle endurance of the finger flexor at 90° open hold, and the pre-exhaustion exercise significantly decreased the hanging time at 180° crimp and slope grips. There was no effect on climbing performance according to the type of warm-up exercise. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that various warm-up exercises did not directly affect muscle strength, muscular endurance, and climbing performance in sport climbers. Thus, we suggest that future research on complex warm-up exercises considering climbing postures should be conducted.
