Effects of flywheel training on strength-related variables in female populations. A systematic review

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flywheel training on female populations, report practical recommendations for practitioners based on the current available evidence, underline the limitations of current literature, and establish future research directions.Methods: Studies were searched through the electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines.Results: The methodological quality of the 7 studies included in this review ranged from 10 to 19 points (good to excellent), with an average score of 14-points (good). These studies were carried out between 2004 and 2019 and comprised a total of 100 female participants. The training duration ranged from 5 weeks to 24 weeks, with volume ranging from 1 to 4 sets and 7 to 12 repetitions, and frequency ranged from 1 to 3 times a week. Discussion: The literature suggests that flywheel training is a safe and time effective strategy to obtain lower limb performance enhancements and positive muscle morphological adaptations with elderly and young females. The present literature, although limited, supports the use flywheel training for the prevention of falls and the enhancement of physical capabilities in young and elderly female populations. Nonetheless, a lack of clarity still exists regarding appropriate flywheel training volume, frequency, and intensity. Further high-quality investigation into this topic is warranted to establish clear guidelines about the use of flywheel training methodologies with female populations.

Measuring Interlimb Asymmetry for Strength and Power: A Brief Review of Assessment Methods, Data Analysis, Current Evidence, and Practical Recommendations

“…Although flywheel training has been investigated with a variety of populations relating to strength, power, and athletic performance (1,6,52,65)—less is known about its efficacy in reducing interlimb asymmetries (9,28). Flywheel training exercises ranging from (bilateral, unilateral, lateral) squats to multidirectional movements have been applied with the objective of reducing interlimb asymmetries (27,31,43).…”

Considerations to Optimize Strength and Muscle Mass Gains Through Flywheel Resistance Devices: A Narrative Review

“…The studies reported in this review have mainly involved male participants; however, the volume of literature pertaining to flywheel training studies using female populations is scarce (18,42). Because of the differences between male and female subjects in terms of physical fitness and responses to resistance training programs exist (e.g., because of different hormonal levels), further analysis to differentiate responses to flywheel and traditional resistance programs between sexes is necessary.…”

“…The main limitations on this topic are (a) the scarce inclusion of female samples in previous studies (42) and (b) the lower use of upper-limb exercises in flywheel training programs. In this regard, further studies should be performed on these topics.…”

Assessment and Evaluation of Force–Velocity Variables in Flywheel Squats: Validity and Reliability of Force Plates, a Linear Encoder Sensor, and a Rotary Encoder Sensor

“…Flywheel (FW) inertial resistance training has gained attention in recent years due to all the positive acute [1,2] and short-term [3] neuromuscular performance effects, and long-term effects derived from FW training interventions on strength, power (P), performance-related variables [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11], and clinical outcomes [12][13][14]. There are many different FW devices on the market, all of which follow the same principle-by accelerating and then consequently braking the mass moment of inertia (I) of the FW.…”