Effects of slow and fast bodyweight resistance training on IPPT's muscular endurance test performance

Abstract

Background: Training for muscular endurance is important for Singapore’s uniformed reservist as it is tested annually with the 1-minute bodyweight push-up and sit-up test. Following the principle of specificity, training at a fast movement velocity (tempo) is optimal for the two muscular endurance tests. Alternatively, a slow tempo increases muscular time under tension and fatigue, which are key to muscular endurance enhancement. Yet, there is a lack of studies comparing the effect of both training velocities on muscular endurance performance. Hence, this study aims to compare between training with a fast and slow tempo, and to determine which tempo is better at improving muscular endurance performance. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial design, 15 recreationally strength-trained males were assigned to either a fast-tempo, slow-tempo, or control group. Subjects in the training groups underwent 2 days per week of bodyweight training for 4 weeks, while those in the control group did not receive any training. The fast-tempo group completed each repetition with a duration of 1-s eccentric and 1-s concentric contraction, whereas those in the slow-tempo did 4-s eccentric and 1-s concentric contraction. Pre- and post-test measures include the maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups completed in 1 minute. Results: Improvement in the 1-minute push-up and sit-up test was not significantly different between both training groups (p > .05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that performance improvement for the 1-minute push-up and sit-up muscular endurance test are the same for both fast and slow bodyweight resistance training tempo.