Effects of Pneumatic Variable Resistance Strength Training in Less Active Men

This study aims to examine effects of 10 weeks pneumatic variable resistance strength training within 40-90% maximal squat load in 20-45 years old less active men. Methods: 30 healthy men aged from 20-45 years old were recruited into this study. All subjects were attributed into two groups: pneumatic variable resistance group (PVR, n=15) and control group (CON, n=15). All subjects experienced 10 weeks progressive resistance strength training within 40-90% maximal squat load. Muscle strength and squat jump power were measured before and after the strength training. Results: Maximal isometric knee flexion strength, rate of force development(RFD) of isometric knee flexion, ratio of hamstring to quadriceps femoris maximal isometric torque (H/Q-120), maximal squat load(Loadmax), 30% and 60% Loadmax squat jump power (P30 & P60) increased significantly (P<0.05) in PVR group; RFD of isometric knee flexion, Loadmax, P30 & P60 increased significantly with the significant decrease of H/Q-120 in CON group; significant differences of H/Q-120 and P30 were founded between groups after the strength training. Conclusions: 1) 10 weeks pneumatic variable resistant strength training within 40-90% of maximal squat load can effectively increase the hamstring and quadriceps strength balance; 2) these two strength training methods showed complementary effects as the pneumatic variable resistant strength training is good at improving knee flexors' maximal muscle strength whereas traditional strength training is more conducive to the improvements of knee extensors' maximal strength and both extensors & flexors muscles' speed strength.