Slow-motion in weight training: How does it affect muscle hypertrophy in untrained young men?

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2022-10, Vol.22 (10), p.2465-2471
• Main Authors: Mario, Deby Tri, Komaini, Anton, Welis, Wilda, Rifki, Muhamad Sazeli, Alnedral, Ihsan, Nurul, Syafrianto, Donal, Zulbahri, Ilham, Okilanda, Ardo, Alimuddin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Body Weight; Males; Metabolism; Motion; Novices; Physical fitness; Pretests Posttests; Proteins; Repetition; Scientific Concepts; Sports training; Statistical Analysis; Strength training; Test Theory; Training Methods; Vitamin E; Weightlifting
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2022.10314

Appropriate training methods and programs in weight training are two important indicators of muscle hypertrophy. However, the movement tempo of each repetition needs to be investigated with certainty to achieve this goal. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of slow-motion in weight training on muscle hypertrophy in untrained young men. The design used is a one group pretest-posttest design which is part of the pre-experimental. A total of 13 fitness members of "one gym" in Padang, Indonesia aged 18-25 years were recruited to be the research sample. The procedure in this study consisted of taking pretest data, treatment weight training with slow-motion, and taking posttest data. The treatment focused on the arm and thigh muscles with various variations of movement, and was carried out for ± 2 months. The instrument used is a tape measure and skinfold thickness, then the data is analyzed by paired samples t-test. The results showed that there was an effect of weight training with slow-motion on muscle hypertrophy (Sig. 2-tailed < 0.05), with a difference of 6.87 for the arm muscle and 10.46 for the thigh muscle (pretest-posttest data). The relationship was significant and linear, with r values for arm muscle 0.965, and thigh muscle 0.889. In conclusion, slow-motion in weight training can produce muscle hypertrophy in untrained young men. This study is expected to be useful for weight training practitioners in choosing training methods to obtain muscle hypertrophy (especially for beginners), fitness instructors, and athletes. Future study is needed to involve comparison groups (other types of weight training methods) and a wider sample size. Then, weight training carried out by any method, without being supported by adequate nutrition (protein), it is impossible to produce optimal muscle hypertrophy. This is also a good opportunity for future study involving proteins and comparing them with different types of training methods.