Effect of Short-Term Unilateral and Bilateral Legs

Effect on strength and power measurements from short-term unilateral and bilateral less resistance exercise. This study was designed to compare the effect on several tests of unilateral and bilateral lower corporeal strength and power of both men and women on the effects of short unilateral resistance (UL) and bilateral Resistance Training (BL) with free weights. A study was completed with thirty-eight males and females (mean body weight 78.3 6 21.47 kg; age 20.74 6 2.6 years). The group practiced with plyometric drills 2 days a week for 8 weeks with free weights and 2 days a week. The resistance training program consisted of a progression from three sets of 15 repetitions to a maximum of 1 repetition (1RM) predicted by 50% of the subject, to 6 sets of five repetitions to a maximum of 87%. For each group, the amount and intensity of training were equal. The free squat was used for unilateral and bilateral strength measurement. Power was measured with a unilateral and bilateral vertical jump test and the Magaria-Kalamen stair-climb test. Covariance analysis was used to analyze gender and group interaction discrepancies between men and women. As a covariate, Pretest values were used. In the unilateral vertical jump height and relative power the UL group improved more than the BL Group. After adjustment to preliminary differences, the better scores were similar between men and women in all tests, with the exception of the unilateral squat. For men or women comparisons between training groups no significant interactions were found on all tests. These results show that UL and BL are equally efficient in improving unilateral and bilateral legal strength and power in men and women without training early.