Is Inertial Training More Effective Than Conventional Strength Training?
Condition: Traditional Strength Training vs Inertial Training
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The data concerning the efficacy of inertial training vs conventional strength training are
      contradictory. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of inertial training and body
      building training on elbow flexors and knee extensor strength. Twenty-six young untrained men
      were randomized to the inertial training (IT; n = 13) or body building group (BBT; n = 13).
      Both groups performed strength training three times a week for 6; IT - inertial training, BBT
      - body building training. Each training session included 12 exercise sets involving the elbow
      flexors and knee and extensors muscles worked separately (3 sets per single muscle group).
      The training loads were 70% of 1RM for the upper and lower extremities. Before and after
      training, the maximum force of trained muscles was evaluated under training conditions (one
      repetition maximum - 1 RM and maximal force under inertial conditions - IFmax) and under
      isometric conditions (MVT). Moreover, CMJ, SJ, pull-up test, circumferences of the limbs were
      also evaluated.
    

Detailed description: 
      A group of 42 young men attended an initial recruitment meeting and all 30 men agreed to
      participate in the study. The study finally included twenty-six men (mean ± standard
      deviation: age, 20.4 ± 1.18 years; body mass, 81.0 ± 11.4 kg; height, 184 ± 6.28 cm). The
      participants were physical education students, but all of them were untrained. The
      participants were randomly allocated into two groups: inertial training group: IT (n = 13)
      and a body building training group BBT (n = 13) with the chit method - a simple method of
      generating random sequence. Both groups participated in 6 weeks of training, IT performed
      inertial training, BBT performed body building training. All participants were asked to
      maintain their current level of physical activity and diet throughout the duration of the
      study. However, we did not control their lifestyle.

      Before and after the training muscle strength under different conditions were tested.
      Moreover, jumping ability, body composition, circumferences of the limbs were evaluated. Each
      time measurements were performed in five separate days.

      1RM

      Measurement of 1RM and estimation of training loads. Before training participants were
      learned techniques of exercise in body building and inertial conditions in two a
      familiarization sessions. Then, 1RM was determined for the unilateral elbow flexion in
      standing position using dumbbells and for the unilateral leg extension in sitting position
      for all participants. 1RM was determined using traditional weights. Next the participants
      performed 1 set of unilateral flexion in the elbow joint (12 repetitions) and 1 set of
      unilateral extension in the knee joint with a load of 70% 1RM. During each set, the time of
      its performance was measured - the participants tried to complete this set in the shortest
      possible time. Two days later, the training load for inertial training was determined using
      Cyklotren (Inerion, Poland). Each participant performed several sets of exercises with
      different loads. The load was increased/decreased so that the performance time of 12
      repetitions (as fast as possible) was the same (with an accuracy of 0.5 s) as in the set time
      with the 70% 1RM using traditional weights. If in three sets between which 5-minute breaks
      were applied, it was not possible to determine the load in inertial exercises, the test was
      repeated on the next day. The range of motion and the body position of the participant during
      load determination were identical to those in the body-building conditions.

      Measurement of maximal force under inertial conditions. The maximal force under inertial
      conditions (IFmax) was measured using Cyklotren inertial device (Inerion, Poland).
      Participant position during IFmax measurements both for elbow flexors and knee extensors was
      the same as during 1RM test. Briefly, after a warm-up, each participant performed a 10-s
      maximal strength test (elbow flexion and knee extension) the right and left arms separately,
      with a 2-minute break between measurements. Estimated training loads were used during
      testing. The range of motion for elbow flexors was approximately 130 degrees and for knee
      extensors approximately 80 degrees. Cyklotren device displayed on the screen and recorded
      force level for each repetition, the highest value of force (N) was used for future analysis.

      Maximal voluntary torque (MVT) measurement Maximal torque derived from isometric muscle
      actions were determined using a specialized Biodex 4 Pro device (Shirley, New York, USA).
      Data collection was preceded by a familiarization session. Biomechanical measurements were
      collected in a seated position. During elbow flexor measurement one hand grasped the device
      handle as the other remained on the abdomen. The shoulder joint and elbow joint of active arm
      was set at 90° flexion. During knee extensor measurement the ankle of the active leg was
      attached to the Biodex moving shin. In the starting position, the thigh of the dominant leg
      was immobilized at 90° in relation to the trunk, and the knee was also positioned at 90°. In
      order to eliminate the activity of undesired muscle groups, the participant's trunk was
      stabilized using belts across the chest. Prior to the measurements, participants were given
      verbal instructions on the experiment's design. Each of the participants performed three
      maximal isometric contractions (for each tested muscle group for both upper and lower
      extremities), each lasting 3 s separated 30 s. breaks. The highest value among the three
      trials was adopted for further analysis.

      Jump tests The vertical jump tests required each participant to perform three SJ with a 30s
      passive rest period between each effort, followed by three CMJ with a 30s passive rest period
      between each effort. Both the SJ and CMJ were performed using TENDO JumpMat (Trencin,
      Slovakia). The highest value of jump (cm) among the three trials was adopted for further
      analysis.

      Upper limbs strength - pull-ups. Participant grasped an overhead horizontal bar with a
      shoulder width, with a supinated forearm position, while hanging vertically (with feet just
      above the ground). The body was pulled upright in a linear path until the underside of the
      chin achieved level with or above the top surface of the horizontal bar. The participants had
      to avoid all swinging, kicking, and twisting motions. Each participant had to perform as many
      repetitions as possible.

      Body composition To evaluate the influence of training on body composition, bioelectrical
      impedance device (Tanita MC-980 MA, Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used. The
      participants were asked to maintain a normal state of hydration prior to measurement, and
      they were not allowed to exercise, or eat for 12 h preceding the measurements. The
      measurements were made in the morning, according to manufacturer's guidelines.

      Circumferences of the limbs Circumferences of the upper arm were measured at the largest part
      of the limb in the tensed muscle. The thigh circumference was determined at the half length
      of the loaded limb. The same person took every measurement to the nearest 0.5 cm three times.
      The mean value of the three measurements was used to future calculation.
    

Intervention name(s): Inertial training; Body building training
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Inertial training group performed their training three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) between between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for 6 weeks. Participants performed inertial training using Cyklotren (Inerion, Poland). Before each training session, a standardized warm-up was performed. Each session trained two muscle groups: elbow flexors and knee extensors. Each exercise included 3 sets, with the right and left extremities worked separately. In each set 12 repetitions were performed. A 2-minute break occurred between consecutive sets. Each exercise for elbow flexors was performed in standing position. Each exercise for knee extensors was performed in seated position in a bench. The range of motion for elbow flexors was approximately 130 degrees and for knee extensors was approximately 80 degrees.; Body building group performed body building training three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for 6 weeks using free weights. Before each training session, a standardized warm-up was performed. Each session trained two muscle groups: elbow flexors and knee extensors. Each exercise included 3 sets, with the right and left extremities worked separately. In each set 12 repetitions were performed. A 2-minute break occurred between consecutive sets. Each exercise for elbow flexors was performed in standing position. Each exercise for knee extensors was performed in seated position in a bench. The range of motion for elbow flexors was approximately 130 degrees and for knee extensors was approximately 80 degrees.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Other