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Isokinetic Resistance Training Increases Tibial Bending Stiffness in Young Women

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Abstract

Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) are common but imperfect surrogate measures of bone strength. The mechanical response tissue analyzer is a device that measures long bone bending stiffness (EI), which strongly predicts bone breaking strength. We hypothesized that isokinetic resistance training of the knee flexor and extensor muscles would increase tibial EI, BMC, and BMD in young women. Fifty-two women, aged 18–26 years, performed concentric (CON, n = 30) or eccentric (ECC, n = 22) isokinetic resistance training with the nondominant leg three times per week for 20 weeks. Before and after the training period, subjects were tested for CON and ECC peak torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles with isokinetic dynamometry, tibial BMC and BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and tibial EI using mechanical response tissue analysis. Both training groups increased CON (15–21%) and ECC (17–31%) peak torque vs. the untrained leg. Tibial EI increased in the entire cohort (26%) and in each training group (CON 34%, ECC 16%) vs. the untrained tibia. Tibial BMC and BMD increased in the trained and untrained tibiae, with no significant differences between limbs. No differential tibial EI or bone mineral outcomes were observed between the CON and ECC training groups. In summary, CON and ECC isokinetic resistance training increased tibial EI, but not BMC or BMD, in young women.

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Acknowledgement

We thank J. M. Beiseigel and M. K. Zack for laboratory assistance. This study was funded by a grant from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (DAMD 17-00-1-0114).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 213 War Memorial Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    Larry E. Miller, David F. Wootten & William G. Herbert

  2. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 323 Chandlee Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson

  3. Health Research Group, LLC, P.O. Box 146, Rockbridge Baths, VA, 24473, USA

    Warren K. Ramp & William G. Herbert

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Building 530, 440 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Charles R. Steele

  5. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ohio University, 247 Stocker Center, Athens, OH, 45701, USA

    John R. Cotton

  6. Vibration and Acoustics Laboratories, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 147 Durham Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA

    James P. Carneal

  7. 1786 Ax Handle Way, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA

    Larry E. Miller

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  1. Larry E. Miller
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  2. Sharon M. Nickols-Richardson
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  3. David F. Wootten
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  4. Warren K. Ramp
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Correspondence to Larry E. Miller.

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Miller, L.E., Nickols-Richardson, S.M., Wootten, D.F. et al. Isokinetic Resistance Training Increases Tibial Bending Stiffness in Young Women. Calcif Tissue Int 84, 446–452 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-009-9247-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-009-9247-5

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