Changes in the anthropometric status of the upper arm and forearm in adolescents following a six-week programmed exercises with standard and modified repetitive loads

Abstract

A programme was carried out on a sample of 51 subjects (adolescents) for transformation of the maximal muscle strength of the flexors in the elbow during a period of 6 weeks, performed on Scott bench. The subjects were divided in 3 groups. The first group performed exercises according to a matrix system, the second group performed the workout according to a reduced amplitudes method (from semi-flexion to full elbow flexion), and the third worked in accordance with the reduced amplitudes method (from maximal extension to half elbow flexion). The subjects were tested in six anthropometric measures, measured on the upper arm and the forearm, on three occasions (at the beginning, after 3 weeks of exercise and after 6 weeks of exercise).From the differences between groups it was concluded that there is no difference between the groups, which means that the subjects behaved similarly during the entire programme. The analysis of the possible changes within each individual group, throughout the entire experimental procedure, also did not show statistically significant changes in the anthropometric indicators.This points out the fact that most probably the benefit from exercises for transformation of the maximal muscle strength of elbow flexors is not based on physiological changes (covered by the anthropometric measures). Answers should, perhaps, be looked for in the mechanisms for management with movements at central level.