(22) A PRELIMINARY STUDY: THE EFFECTS OF 12-WEEK BIODENSITY TRAINING ON LOWER BODY ISOMETRIC PEAK TORQUE IN YOUNG WOMEN

Traditional resistance exercise is commonly performed to increase muscular strength. However, there are individuals who may lack experience in traditional resistance training or may not desire the use of free weights. The bioDensity is a safe, weight-free, and self-induced machine that consists of four isometric exercises: chest press, leg press, core pull and vertical lift.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 12 weeks of supervised bioDensity training on lower body peak torque in young women.

Methods: Eight female participants (mean ± SD; age = 21.5 ± 3.0 yrs; height = 163.2 ± 3.5; weight = 71.1 ± 20.5 kg) participated in the study for a total of 14 weeks. On visit 1, participants completed health history questionnaires, followed by anthropometrics and baseline muscle isometric torque testing. Visit 2 included familiarity with bioDensity exercises. Visits 3-14 were training visits that consisted of 5 minutes warm-up on stationary bike and 1 repetition of the four bioDensity exercises. Visit 15 was a post assessment of lower body isometric muscular torque testing. SPSS 28 was used for statistical analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare isometric muscular torque at baseline and post-training.

Results: After 12-weeks of bioDensity training once a week, there were no significant changes in most muscular strength and power. However, there was a decline in peak torque knee flexion in both legs post testing (Table 1).

Conclusions: The preliminary results suggest that the current stimulus of training is not sufficient to demonstrate strength adaptations in young women. By increasing the frequency per week, repetitions, and duration of study, it is expected to show an increase in overall strength measures. Practical Applications: Strength and conditioning coaches can alter the load of bioDensity exercises that is best suited for an athlete's training schedule.

Acknowledgements: This research is supported by CSUSB Office of Student Research.