EFFECTS OF VARIOUS ISORESISTIVE TRAINING-PROGRAMS ON TRUNK MUSCLE PERFORMANCE

Isoresistive movements provide a functional method of testing muscle p erformance and of providing exercise; the resistance applied is usuall y a percentage of the maximal isometric torque which can be developed by individual subjects. The aim of the current study was to compare th e effectiveness of dynamic isoresistive exercise programmes using 25, 50 or 75% of the maximum isometric flexion torque and static isometric exercises for improving the performance of the trunk flexors and exte nsors. Subjects comprised 42 asymptomatic females aged 18-25 years who were randomly assigned to control or exercise groups. The exercise gr oups undertook 2 min of exercise 3 times per week. The control subject s showed significant improvement between tests indicating a strong lea rning effect. The study showed that the subjects who exercised at 50% of maximum flexion isometric torque achieved the greatest increases in muscle performance on most measures. Maximal isometric flexion and ex tension torques did not significantly change in any of the groups. Fle xion and extension velocity and power were the muscle performance char acteristics which improved the most in response to the training progra mmes. Relevance-This paper attempts to determine which among several o ptions is the most effective isoresistive protocol for conditioning tr unk muscle performance, as improved strength and power of these muscle s may contribute in preventing episodes of LBP.