Nebraska Academy of Sciences

Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies
Date of this Version
1997
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to determine if subjects initially trained to use a handgrip dynamometer could learn to perform the exercises at the same relative level of effort with a considerably less expensive substitute device. All subjects trained (4, 2-minute contractions, 30% maximal effort) 3 times per week for 12 weeks. In Study I, Group 1 (n = 13) trained using only the dynamometer while Group 2 (n = 14) trained using both the dynamometer and an egg-shaped substitute item for the first 6 weeks. All subjects then trained using only the egg-shaped item. Grip effort was evaluated every 2 weeks using the dynamometer. Group 2 subjects gripped at a level consistently closer to the desired level of effort. Study II investigated the importance of the substitute item's shape. Group 3 (n = 10) trained using the egg-shaped item while Group 4 (n = 10) trained using an item that was similar in shape to the dynamometer. Group 4 subjects gripped at a level consistently closer to the desired level of effort. These results suggest that gradual introduction of a substitute item similar in shape to the dynamometer can significantly improve the transfer of handgrip exercise to a less expensive substitute item by increasing retention of desired level of effort.
Comments
1997. Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences, 24: 81-88. Copyright © 1997 Steele.