This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness of an aerobics-calisthenics (A-CAL) and an aerobics/weight training (A-WT) programs on lower limb strength and body fat (%). Thirty-five adult women (age 42.1 +/- 5.2 years) were randomly assigned to A-CAL (n = 14), A-WT (n = 14), or a control group (n = 7). The A-CAL and A-WT trained 3 days per week for 10 weeks. Maximal bilateral isometric and isokinetic knee extension (KEXT) and flexion (KFLEX) torque, squat jump (SJ), and body fat (%) were measured before and immediately after training. The results revealed nonsignificant differences between A-CAL and A-WT (p > 0.05). Both A-CAL and A-WT improved SJ (p < 0.001). A-WT increased isometric torque of KEXT and KFLEX (p < 0.05), isokinetic torque of KFLEX (p < 0.05), and decreased body fat (%) (p < 0.05) when compared with controls. In summary, the application of a 10-week light-weight training program improved selected strength parameters of healthy women, compared with controls, but the effectiveness of the calisthenics exercises as an independent form of strength training is dubious.
Asymmetry between the two limbs, either in strength or flexibility, increases the risk of re-injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symmetry through anthropometric assesment and to examine the range of motion of lower limbs' joints in handball players upon their return to play after injury. The sample consisted of 15 high level handball players, who had injured their lower limbs and were ready to return to the same competitive activity. These players underwent anthropometric assessment as well as five goniometric assessments of the lower limbs. The results showed asymmetry exclusively in the thigh circumference at a percentage of 26.6%, with the normative limit of one centimeter, and 13.3% with the normative limit of two centimeters. Regarding hip flexion ROM assessment with bent knee and also with stretched knee, as well as in the knee flexion assessment, a percentage 26.8% showed asymmetry. In the measurement of the dorsal and plantar flexion of the ankle joint, a percentage 60% and 33.4% respectively, again showed asymmetry. In conclusion, from the anthropometric assessment and the ROM measurements, a significant percentage of these players did not meet the specific criteria for a safe return to the same competitive activity.
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