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Supervised moderate intensity resistance exercise training improves strength in Special Olympic athletes
Tiffany R Tamse1, Mark D Tillman, Christine B Stopka
1College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Special Olympic athletes and typically developed volunteers both achieved significant strength gains from a short, moderate-intensity resistance training program. This supervised training is recommended for improved athletic and vocational performance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Special Olympic athletes (SOAs) and typically developed volunteers (TDs) have different training needs.
- Resistance training is a key component for improving physical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a moderate-intensity resistance training program on SOAs and similarly aged TDs.
- To compare strength gains between SOAs and TDs following a resistance training intervention.
Main Methods:
- Participants included 15 SOAs and 17 TDs (ages 19-24).
- A 10-12 session resistance training program using Med-X equipment was implemented (1 set, 8-12 reps).
- Predicted one-repetition maximum (1RM) was calculated before and after training for seated row, leg curl, leg extension, chest press, and abdominal crunch.
Main Results:
- All participants showed significant increases in predicted 1RM across all tested exercises (p < 0.001).
- Strength gains ranged from 25% to 50% for all exercises.
- No significant differences in strength gains were observed between SOAs and TDs.
Conclusions:
- Moderate-intensity resistance training yields significant and similar strength improvements in both SOAs and TDs.
- Supervised resistance training programs are effective for enhancing strength in these populations.
- Potential for improved vocational and athletic performance exists with this training regimen.
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