30 Seconds SummaryResearch Spotlight: Do bands promote greater strength and power gains?
- Variable resistance training (VRT) uses tools like elastic bands or chains attached to barbells to potentially enhance strength and power gains by matching resistance curves to strength curves, especially beneficial in exercises like the barbell squat.
- A study compared VRT to traditional resistance training (TRAD) in elite youth rugby players, focusing on upper-body strength, power, and velocity.
- 16 rugby players participated, divided into VRT and TRAD groups, undergoing 6 weeks of twice-weekly strength and power training sessions; VRT group incorporated bands into their bench press regimen.
- Measurements taken included bench press 1RM (one-rep max), and both mean velocity and power at various loads, assessed before and after the intervention.
- Results showed improvements across both groups in bench press strength, power, and velocity, with the VRT group showing notably better enhancements in mean power and velocity.
- Despite similar increases in bench press 1RM for both groups, evidence suggests that VRT might slightly better enhance upper-body power compared to TRAD, although effects on maximal strength are similar between the methods.
Stronger By Science
Jack Quint
