House, P. D., Smith, D., O'Brien, M., Edwards, S., & Miller, J. (June 03, 2010). The effects of slow velocity isokinetic resistance training on high velocity force output following a brief high velocity familiarization period. Presentation 2084 at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; June 2-5.

This study determined the effects of slow-velocity resistance training on maximal torque output at high velocities following a brief period of familiarization at a high velocity in healthy college students (M = 9; F = 13). Ss were randomly assigned into either a control (N = 11) or treatment (N = 11) group. The treatment group performed three sets of 10 RM isokinetic knee extensions (at 30°/sec) with the non-dominant leg, three times per week for seven weeks. The final week of training (three sessions) was accompanied by one set of 10 repetitions at 300°/sec, which was considered to be familiarization training. The control group did not participate in the training, but did perform the familiarization sets during the final week. Both groups performed two sets of 10 repetitions at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300°/sec as practice before commencing the study. Both groups were tested for maximal torque output at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300°/sec pre-, after six weeks, and post-training.

There were no group effects or group x time interactions. There was a significant main effect for time. With both groups combined, all six velocities showed significant increases in maximal torque over the study duration. The brief exposure of fast-movement testing produced changes in torque while the training on slower movement velocities had no effect.

Implication. A brief exposure to fast-movement isokinetic resistance training results in rapid and general increases in maximal torque output at the fast-movement velocity independent of any other training routine. Slow-movement isokinetic training does not transfer benefits to faster movements.

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