Comparison of Training Changes in Upper-Body Strength in Men of Different Fat-Free Mass Indices
Fat-free mass index (FFMI) allows comparison of muscle mass equated for height and provides a more equitable mechanism for assessing the effect of resistance training (RT). The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of RT on upper-body strength improvement in men of different FFMI. Low, average, and high FFMI groups based on normalized scores performed similar linear periodization RT three days/week for 12 weeks. Participants were measured for one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press before and after training. One-way ANOVA on absolute and relative strength gains indicated no significant different among the three groups after training. Each group made similar absolute (~7.5 ± 6.1 kg) and relative (~9.1 ± 7.6%) increases in 1RM. Beginning strength level was not significantly correlated with strength gain (r = -0.23, p = 0.71). Men of equivalent FFMI will typically make similar gains in upper-body strength when training with a similar RT program.
Keywords: Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI), Resistance training (RT), One-repetition max (1RM), Upper-body strength, training, improvement, bench press, comparison
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 5-9
Location: SUB GEO
Time: 3:00