Musculoskeletal Outcomes from Chronic High-Speed, High-Impulse Resistance Exercise

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Bone Biology
• Musculoskeletal Adaptations

Background:

• Bones and muscles adapt to mechanical loading.
• Specific stimuli are required for osteogenesis.
• Inertial exercise offers a unique mechanical loading profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the musculoskeletal outcomes of 30 training sessions using an Inertial Exercise Trainer.
• To evaluate changes in bone mineral content, density, and bone resorption markers.
• To determine the efficacy of inertial training for promoting osteogenesis.

Main Methods:

• 13 subjects performed inertial exercise training on their left leg, with the right leg as a control.
• Workouts included knee extension, hip extension, and calf press exercises.
• Strength tests, DEXA scans, and blood draws were conducted before and after training.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in left leg peak torques were observed.
• Significant increases in calcaneal bone mineral content (+29%) and density (+33%) occurred.
• A significant decline in C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (bone resorption marker) was noted.

Conclusions:

• Inertial exercise training provides a potent mechanical loading stimulus.
• This stimulus can lead to significant calcaneal bone accretion.
• Inertial training may be an effective intervention for enhancing bone health.