Heart rate changes comparing free weight vs elastic resisted tubing

Abstract

During lifting, heart rate and blood pressure have been shown to rise because of an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. This increase in pressure is known as a Valsalva maneuver. However, little research has been conducted to compare heart rate changes that occur with traditional weight lifting versus elastic band resistance. Changes in heart rate that occurred while lifting free weight compared to lifting with elastic band resistance were therefore examined. 30 healthy subjects with an age range of 18-40 were tested. Heart rate changes were recorded using a 12 lead ECG, with a baseline measurement established before lifts were performed. Testing consisted of subjects lifting roughly 40% of their body weight from the floor to waist height and then returning the weight to its original starting position. All subjects alternately performed lifts with both free weights and elastic bands. Subjects were required to rest between lifts to allow heart rate to return to baseline measurement. Results indicate that heart rate did increase significantly in both the free weight and elastic band resisted groups when compared to baseline measurements. There was no significant difference found when comparing the difference in change of heart rate for the second lift between free weight lifting and elastic band resistance. A mixed 2- way ANOVA was used to determine if there is a significant difference in HR changes between the 2 lifts.