MIXED RESISTANCE TRAINING IMPROVES STRENGTH AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN YOUNG FEMALE ADULTS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ten weeks of mixed resistance training on isometric force parameters and anthropological characteristics in young female adults. Fifty-two participants (22.61 ± 1.86 years) were randomized into either the mixed resistance training (MRT; n = 25) or control group (CON; n = 27). Anthropological parameters were body mass, body fat percentage, skinfolds (triceps, tight, abdominal), while force parameters were the isometric force of hand flexors, upper-body flexors and extensors, and knee extensors (both legs). The MRT group was engaged in mixed resistance training consisting of four weeks of muscular endurance resistance training (ERT) followed by six weeks of traditional resistance training (TRT) three times per week. The CON group did not exercise. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the effects of programs on strength and anthropological characteristics. A significant group x time interaction was found for body fat (p < 0.001), waist-hip ratio (p = 0.001), triceps skinfold (p < 0.001), abdominal skinfold (p = 0.001), isometric force of right-hand flexors (p = 0.001), and isometric force of upper-body flexors (p = 0.002). No interaction was observed for body weight, thigh skinfold, isometric force of left-hand flexors, the isometric force of upper-body extensors, and isometric force of knee extensors. Mixed resistance training represents a valid training method to improve anthropological characteristics, but its role in isometric force was not fully confirmed in untrained females.