Effects of an 8 Week Upper Body Resistance Training Program on Aerobic Capacity in Untrained Females

PURPOSE: VO2peak and 1RM in untrained females were compared before and after an eight week upper body strength training plan to determine the effect of upper body strength training on aerobic capacity. METHODS: Twelve untrained college females completed a VO2peak and 1RM bench press test. The subjects were then randomly split into 2 groups of 6. Both groups maintained their normal aerobic exercise routine with the exception of the treatment group, who completed an upper body strength training protocol twice a week for eight weeks. VO2peak and 1RM were reassessed immediately following the eight week period. RESULTS: A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine whether a statistically significant difference existed in VO2peak, RERmax, HRmax, final time, and 1RM over the course of the 8 week strength training program. A change did occur in VO2peak for the treatment group from pre to post exercise intervention (34.22 mL/kg/min pre to 35.37 mL/kg/min post). In addition, 1RM increased in the training group from 70.83 lbs to 75.83 lbs. However, the exercise intervention did not elicit statistically significant changes in measures of training variables over time, F(5, 6) = .540, p = .742, partial ω2 = .310. No change was seen in either VO2peak or 1RM in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant, a slight overall increase in VO2peak in the treatment group was observed, while no change in the VO2peak of the control group occurred. A longer resistance training period could result in more significant differences in both 1RM and aerobic capacity. Therefore, upper body resistance training alone will not impact aerobic capacity dramatically in untrained athletes, especially when done short term. Resistance training may, however, be beneficial in competitive athletes where even a slight difference in performance could be the difference between winning and losing. Future researchers should look at how upper body resistance training impacts running biomechanics specifically, and if a direct connection exists with running economy.