ORIGINAL PAPER
Asymmetry in strength training: Investigating the Impact of offset training on the deep stabilisation system, strength/performance, and maximal power in Female Softball Players
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1
Department of Sport Games, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
 
2
Department of Track & Field and Outdoor Activities, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
 
 
Submission date: 2024-05-29
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-08-22
 
 
Publication date: 2024-09-30
 
 
Corresponding author
Anna Pisz   

Department of Sport Games, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Jose Martiho 269, 162 00 Prague, Czech Republic
 
 
Hum Mov. 2024;25(3):19-30
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
This study aims to fill a significant gap in sports science research by examining the underexplored effects of asymmetric load training on the deep stabilisation system (DSS), strength, and maximal power in female softball players.

Methods:
Fourteen participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CON), which exercised with a symmetrically weighted bar, and an experimental group (EXP), which used a bar with asymmetrically distributed weight. The asymmetric load with a distribution of weight that was gradually increased during the 8-week intervention program. The assessment included a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for deadlift, flat bench press, front squat, and 4RM tests for single-leg leg press for both legs, along with evaluations of DSS and strength/performance, before and after a resistance training program. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-intervention performance on the DSS and 1RM strength tests.

Results:
The results showed significant improvements in all 1RM and 4RM tests for both groups in all exercises (p > 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). However, a dependent t-test in the EXP group revealed significant improvements in DSS strength/performance from pre- to post-measurements in all tests, with large effect sizes. In contrast, the CON group showed significant improvements only in trunk extension, side plank, and prone tests.

Conclusions:
These findings indicate that asymmetric training may provide superior benefits in strengthening the DSS, while still achieving comparable gains in maximal strength.

 
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