Specific and Transfer Effects Induced by Arm or Leg Training

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine both the specific and the transfer effects of a Square Wave Endurance Exercise Test (SWEET) and to investigate the determining factors of transfer effect. A control group (CG, n = 5) and 2 experimental groups were studied. Experimental groups completed 3 days/week a 45 min SWEET over 6 weeks, either with the arms using a wheelchair ergometer (AG, n = 5) or with the legs using a cycling ergometer (LG, n = 5). All subjects performed before and after training two maximal progressive tests: the first one with the arms and the second with the legs. During those tests oxygen uptake (VO(2)) and cardiorespiratory parameters were continuously measured. Specific effects (changes between the tests performed with trained limbs) were observed: the peak power output (W(p)) and VO(2) were significantly increased by both arm (+ 66 %, + 35 %) and leg (+ 17 %, + 14 %) training. At ventilatory threshold (VT), power output (W) and VO(2) were significantly increased with arm (+ 145 % and + 51 %) and leg (+ 53 % and + 46 %) training. Transfer effects (changes between pre and post tests performed with untrained limbs) were observed: W(p) and VO(2) were not increased in AG while W(p) was increased in LG (+ 11 %). At VT, W and VO(2) were increased with arm (+ 19 % and + 23 %) and leg (+ 33 % and + 46 %) training. For AG and LG the VO(2) expressed in percent of the VO(2) peak was increased (+ 19 % and + 33 %, respectively) and the O(2p) was also increased (+ 30 %) for LG. These results show that SWEET training induced specific and transfer effects. Moreover, the initial level of the subjects, the type and the intensity of the training seem to be the major factors for effective observable transfer effects.

Influence of a 6-week arm exercise program on walking ability and health status after hip arthroplasty: A 1-year follow-up pilot study

“…However, because of the impressive improvement in the walking capacities of our trained patients compared with their matched controls, especially 2 months after the surgery, we can suggest that some transfer effects had occurred. Such effects have previously been reported in endurance training with lower limbs where some improvements in exercise capacity of the upper limbs (untrained muscle group) were observed and vice versa [16]. Improved perception of the patients' physical possibilities and positive psychological effects of the training may also have had a positive impact.…”

The Effects of Two Weeks of Arm Crank Sprint Interval Training in Men with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

“…During sessions 1 and 6, 5 μl blood lactate samples were taken from the subjects earlobe using a small plastic lancet and immediately analyzed using a Lactate Scout Analyzer (Sports Resource Group, Hawthorne, NY). Samples were taken prior to training, after sprint 1, 4 and 7 (during session 6), and 1 and 3 min research available for leg sprinting [12][13][14] and upper extremity training [7,17] at the time of the study, we speculated that ACE SIT could improve sprint performance and metabolic factors in men with chronic SCI. Following 2-week of arm crank SIT, there were significant improvements in performance measures including both sprint and aerobic measures.…”

“…Upper extremity training is effective at improving central and peripheral fitness markers, and may transfer to lower extremity fitness [7,16]. Although training the upper extremities does improve force production and endurance of the muscles trained, intensity appears to be a critical factor in upper extremity fitness and transfer to lower extremity fitness [7].…”

“…Although training the upper extremities does improve force production and endurance of the muscles trained, intensity appears to be a critical factor in upper extremity fitness and transfer to lower extremity fitness [7]. Little is known, however, on the impact of specific Arm Crank Ergo Meter (ACE) interventions, including the adaptation of many HIT protocols, as well as SIT.…”

“…Exercise is effective in reducing body fat [7] and improving many of the components of metabolic syndrome, like insulin resistance [8][9][10]. Exercise intensity, however, has been postulated as the critical component between improved mitochondrial function and Glucose Transporter (GLUT) 4 expression.…”