EFFECT OF A 20 DAY TRAINING PROGRAM ON GRIP STRENGTH IN ELITE WEIGHTLIFTERS
EFFECT OF A 20 DAY TRAINING PROGRAM ON GRIP STRENGTH IN ELITE WEIGHTLIFTERS

Summary/Abstract: Hand grip strength is the sum of the strength of the flexors against the palm, while the extensor muscles help in a secondary way and their contribution plays a minor role in generating grip strength. The relationship between hand grip strength levels and socio-demographic indicators and those characterizing lifestyle is a widely discussed topic in the literature. Handgrip strength is used as an indicator of general muscle strength and health status in adults. It has also been accepted as a potential link to athletic performance in a variety of sports. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a 20-day intensive training regimen on hand grip strength and maximal effort sustain time in elite weightlifters. A group of 23 national weightlifters (females, n=11; males, n=12) voluntarily completed a test to determine hand grip strength and time to sustain maximal effort. The tests were carried out twice - before the start and after the end of an intensive training regime lasting 20 days. All participants were right-handed dominant. To determine hand grip strength and time to maintain maximum effort dynamometer was used, system BIOPAC, (USA). The time to sustain maximal isometric effort was also determined with three consecutive measurements for the left and right arms, with a minimum interval of ten minutes. The duration of time of maximum isometric effort was taken as the period until the grip strength decreased by 5% compared to the maximum.The results of the measurements were processed with Paired samples t-test, statistical program SPSS v. 13. A statistically significant difference was accepted at P<0.05. Data are presented as X±SD. A 20-day intensive training regimen resulted in a significant increase in grip strength in both hands in man (right hand from 35.539±3.17 to 39.116±2.48 kg, P<0.05; left hand from 32.089±2.25 to 38.564±4.26 kg, P<0.05). The time to sustain maximal strength in men was also prolonged in both hands (right hand from 8.417±2.11 to 10.692±2.35 s, P<0.05; left hand from 9.583±2.71 to 13.533±3.94 s, P<0.05). In women, we reported different results. Only the maximal strength of the left, non-dominant hand was statistically increased in the female weightlifter group. The time to maintain maximal strength showed a tendency to lengthen without reaching a statistical difference. The maximum grip strength of the right, dominant hand was increased, but not significantly. The applied 20-day intensive training program was sufficient to increase grip strength and maximal effort sustain time in male weightlifters. For female weightlifters, the results were lower.

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