TY - JOUR
T1 - The Effect of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Strength Training on Isometric-Squat Peak Force and Interlimb Asymmetry in Young, Recreationally Strength-Trained Men
AU - Lynch, Arthur E.
AU - Davies, Robert W.
AU - Allardyce, Joanna M.
AU - Carson, Brian P.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Human Kinetics, Inc.
PY - 2023/1
Y1 - 2023/1
N2 - To compare the effects of bilateral strength training (BLST) versus unilateral strength training (ULST) on changes in peak force (PF) and interlimb asymmetry (ILA) in the isometric squat at a 120° knee angle (ISq120). Method: A total of 31 young, recreationally strength-trained men performed either BLST (n = 18) or ULST (n = 13), twice per week for 6 weeks. The total number of repetitions, duty cycle, and effort were standardized between training groups (ie, differing only in the exercises performed). Changes in PF and ILA were assessed pretraining and posttraining. Results: Comparable increases in PF were observed in the BLST group (mean [SD] change; 17.4% [20.5%], P = .001, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.45) and the ULST group (11.4% [19.1%], P = .042, SMD = 0.25). No significant changes in symmetry index (SI) scores were observed following BLST (mean [SD] change; 0 [5.7], P = .526, SMD = −0.12) or ULST (+3 [6.0], P = .702, SMD = 0.4). Individual analyses of subjects with marked ILA (ie, baseline SI score > baseline coefficient of variation) revealed a trend toward BLST being more effective at attenuating SI scores in the ISq120. Conclusions: Overall, both BLST and ULST are effective for increasing ISq120 PF. However, it appears that BLST may be more effective at reducing SI scores in those with marked ILA.
AB - To compare the effects of bilateral strength training (BLST) versus unilateral strength training (ULST) on changes in peak force (PF) and interlimb asymmetry (ILA) in the isometric squat at a 120° knee angle (ISq120). Method: A total of 31 young, recreationally strength-trained men performed either BLST (n = 18) or ULST (n = 13), twice per week for 6 weeks. The total number of repetitions, duty cycle, and effort were standardized between training groups (ie, differing only in the exercises performed). Changes in PF and ILA were assessed pretraining and posttraining. Results: Comparable increases in PF were observed in the BLST group (mean [SD] change; 17.4% [20.5%], P = .001, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.45) and the ULST group (11.4% [19.1%], P = .042, SMD = 0.25). No significant changes in symmetry index (SI) scores were observed following BLST (mean [SD] change; 0 [5.7], P = .526, SMD = −0.12) or ULST (+3 [6.0], P = .702, SMD = 0.4). Individual analyses of subjects with marked ILA (ie, baseline SI score > baseline coefficient of variation) revealed a trend toward BLST being more effective at attenuating SI scores in the ISq120. Conclusions: Overall, both BLST and ULST are effective for increasing ISq120 PF. However, it appears that BLST may be more effective at reducing SI scores in those with marked ILA.
KW - isometric force
KW - maximal strength
KW - performance testing
KW - training response
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85147234305&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0299
DO - 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0299
M3 - Article
C2 - 36634311
AN - SCOPUS:85147234305
SN - 1555-0265
VL - 18
SP - 195
EP - 203
JO - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
JF - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
IS - 2
ER -