Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
The effect of heavy-resistance core strength training on upper-body strength and power performance in national-level
Atle Hole Saeterbakken1, Tor Einar Sandvikmoen2, Erik Iversen3,4
1Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Sogndal, Norway.
Introduction:
The concept of core strength refers to the ability of the core muscles to transfer, absorb and re-direct energy, and generate force/torque while providing proximal stability for distal mobility of the limbs. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an 8-week heavy-resistance core strength training (HR-CST) program on upper-body strength and power performance in young athletes. The secondary aim was to examine the role of sport-specific training background (kayak sprinters vs. swimmers) and sex (males vs. females).
Methods:
Eighteen national-level junior athletes (age: 17.1 ± 1.1 years, body height: 178 ± 7.8 cm, body mass: 70.2 ± 10.4 kg, 12 males, 6 females) competing in kayak sprint (n = 6) and swimming (n = 12) volunteered to participate. During the 8-week intervention period, half (i.e., 45 min) of the regular strength training program was replaced with HR-CST. Pre and post intervention, upper-body strength and power (i.e., maximal isokinetic stroke force [MIF] and power [MIP]) were tested by means of a maximal stroke test using a paddle ergometer. Additionally, peak (PP20) and average power (AP20) was determined in a 20-s all-out stroke test.
Results:
Paired sample t-tests indicated that PP20 and AP20 were significantly improved by 12.8% (p < 0.001, ES = 0.30) and 11.9% (p < 0.001, ES = 0.28), respectively, following HR-CST. No statistical changes were observed in MIF and MIP (p > 0.05, 0.19 ≤ ES ≤ 0.63).
Conclusion:
8 weeks of HR-CST appears to be an effective means to improve upper-body strength and power performance in national-level junior kayak sprinters and swimmers. Our results suggest that a dynamic high-intensity core strength-training is a viable option for improving their performance in a periodized pre-season program and should be considered.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Muscles of the Thorax
The diaphragm is at the core of thoracic musculature, the primary muscle involved in breathing. This expansive, dome-shaped muscle marks the division between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It...
Power Expended by a Constant Force

