Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the relatively new so-called adaptive strength training by comparing it to a conventional strength training in female adults. Twenty-six healthy female adults were randomly allocated to perform either an adaptive strength training or a conventional strength training over a period of 8 weeks. Both strength training programs consisted of the following exercises: leg press, leg extension, latissimus pull-down and rowing. The program was conducted twice a week with at least 48 hours break between each training session. In order to analyze the effects we determine isokinetic maximum strength as well as body composition immediately before and immediately after the intervention phase. In all four exercises the participants showed significant improvements in isokinetic maximum strength during retests (p < 0.05; 0.445 ≤ η2 ≤ 0.616), which is especially relevant to general practice. Significant differences between the intervention groups were not found (p < 0.05; 0.000 ≤ η2 ≤ 0.108). Furthermore, the participants had no significant differences in any of the investigated body composition parameters during retests (p < 0.05; 0.000 ≤ η2 ≤ 0.009). Differences between the two intervention groups were also insignificant for body composition parameters (p < 0.05; 0.005 ≤ η2 ≤ 0.064). Effects of adaptive strength training and conventional strength training are very similar in female adults after a training period of 8 weeks.