An electromyographic analysis of combining weights and elastic tubes as a method of resistance for exercise

The study aimed to compare the effects of elastic and weight resistance exercise on muscular activation patterns. Twenty‐one moderately active males (age = 25 ± 8) performed ten bicep curls and leg extensions with weights (W), an equivalent elastic resistance (T), and a combined condition (TW) of half elastic tension and half weight resistance. Muscular activations of the biceps, triceps, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and lateralis were recorded with Trigno wireless electrodes, and joint angles were recorded with Qualisys Track Manager. Biceps total activation was highest (P < .001) with weights during the bicep curl due to an increased (P ≤ .007) activation in the eccentric phase. The biceps was also active over a larger portion of the ROM under TW (110°‐70° elbow angle), while W and T exhibited peak activations at mid (90°)‐ and late (50°) stages of ROM, respectively. The triceps (bicep curl) was least active (P < .05) with W throughout the concentric phase, as were the vastus medialis and lateralis (leg extension). Although peak and total activation were similar for most muscles in all conditions, muscular activation patterns differed between conditions indicating that TW may enhance strength gains by increasing time under tension, engaging agonist muscles at less advantageous lengths, and increasing the recruitment of auxiliary muscles.