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
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
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.
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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| eISSN: | 1899-1955 |
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