Acute Effects of Traditional Resistance Training Exercises with the Addition of Elastic Bands on Upper- and Lower- Body Power Output

Abstract

This study was designed with the purpose of examining the acute effects of adding elastic bands to traditional resistance training exercises on upper- and lower-body muscular power output. All of the tests utilized the same format of taking a pre-test power measurement, implementing an intervention exercise, and performing post-test power measurements. For the upper body tests, the intervention exercises included the standard bench press, the bench press with the addition of resistance bands, and a control with no exercise. Pre- and post-test power measurements were done using the bench press with a specified light weight. For the lower body tests, the intervention exercises included the standard back squat, the back squat with the addition of resistance bands, and a control with no exercise. Pre- and post-test power measurements were done by timing a 10-yard sprint. The only significant finding was that the post-test sprint times were lower between two and four minutes after performing the back squat with the addition of the resistance bands. This finding could potentially be useful in implementing the use of these bands in the training of athletes looking to increase lower-body power output if confirmed in similar future studies.