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Effects of exercise with light hand weights on strength
Running with light hand weights for eight weeks did not increase upper body strength in male runners. The study found no significant strength gains compared to running without weights, suggesting it offers no added benefit for muscle development.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Runners often seek methods to enhance training.
- The impact of carrying external loads during running on strength development is not fully understood.
- Light hand weights are sometimes used in running routines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if running with light hand weights increases upper body strength.
- To compare strength changes in runners using hand weights versus those who do not.
Main Methods:
- Twenty male runners participated in an 8-week training program.
- Participants either ran with 1.36 kg hand weights per hand or without weights.
- Peak torque of shoulder and elbow flexor/extensor muscles was measured pre- and post-intervention using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in peak torque were observed for shoulder or elbow muscles.
- There were no significant differences in strength gains between the weight-carrying group and the control group.
- Neither within-subject nor between-subject strength improvements were detected.
Conclusions:
- Running with light hand weights for 8 weeks does not provide a greater stimulus for increasing upper body strength compared to running without weights.
- This training modification does not appear to enhance muscular strength in runners.
- Further research may explore different weights, durations, or populations.
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