| The Effect of Eight Weeks of Two Resistance Training Methods on Motor Fitness of Inactive Women |
| Paper ID : 1063-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Sajedeh Saber Afsharian1, Seyed Mahmoud Hejazi2 *2, Mohtaram Yazdanian3 1Master of Science in Applied Physiology, Sanabad Golbahar Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran. 2Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran. 3Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Sanabad Golbahar Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Physical inactivity and reduced motor fitness represent major health challenges for women. Resistance training provides an effective strategy for improving these conditions, but the comparative effectiveness of different tools remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of eight weeks of dumbbell versus elastic band (Thera-Band) resistance training on motor fitness indices in inactive, overweight women. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 inactive women (age: 25-35 years, BMI>25 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to three groups: dumbbell training (n=10), Thera-Band training (n=10), and control (n=10). Training groups exercised for 8 weeks, 4 sessions per week, with progressive intensity (60-75% 1-RM). Peak anaerobic power, minimum anaerobic power, and fatigue index were measured using the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with significance set at P<0.05. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed significant between-group differences in peak anaerobic power (F(2,27)=3.21, P=0.021, η²p=0.19). Both dumbbell (P=0.016, Cohen's d=1.85) and Thera-Band (P=0.011, Cohen's d=2.51) groups showed significant improvements compared to controls. The Thera-Band group demonstrated 17.5% improvement versus 8.1% in the dumbbell group. No significant differences were observed in minimum anaerobic power (F(2,27)=2.38, P=0.064) or fatigue index (F(2,27)=1.38, P=0.081) between groups. Conclusion: Both resistance training methods are effective strategies for improving explosive power in inactive women. Thera-Band training demonstrated a larger effect size and offers practical advantages including portability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making it a suitable option for this population. Longer training periods may be necessary to improve fatigue resistance. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: Motor fitness, Resistance training, Dumbbells, Thera-Band, Anaerobic power. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
