Rate of Torque Development of Trunk Muscles in Women With Different Training Backgrounds

Abstract

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Healthy individuals should exercise their trunk muscles at least twice a week to improve spinal stability and maintain mobility. Pilates and CrossFit are the recommended practices for this purpose. Traditional resistance training programs use strengthening exercises, including core muscles. OBJECTIVES: To compare the DTR of the trunk extensors and flexors of healthy individuals who practice training modalities with different movement patterns during trunk exercises such as Pilates, CrossFit and traditional resistance training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two volunteers aged 23.72 ± 3.4 years participated in the study and were allocated to one of four groups based on their training experience: Pilates, CrossFit. Participants included in the trained groups must have a history of practicing their respective modalities. Participants included in the CON group should not have exercised regularly in the last six months. Normality, homogeneity and sphericity tests were used. rate of torque development (RTD) and Isometric peak torque (IPT) values were compared between groups using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc tests. A significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in age and body mass. Women with experience in CrossFit training have significantly greater IPT and RTD of trunk during isometric extension and flexion. Trunk flexion IPT was also significantly higher for participants who practiced CrossFit. RTD for trunk extension and flexion was not different between participants with experience in Pilates, traditional resistance training and those without experience with physical training. Furthermore, the CF group presented significantly higher RTD values in all time intervals analyzed. CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm that women who practice CrossFit training benefit from a greater capacity for rapid force production with the trunk flexors and extensors. Regular CrossFit practice results in superior RTD when compared to traditional resistance training, Pilates and a sedentary lifestyle in women. Maximum trunk strength is also greater for women who practice CrossFit.