Effects of Squat Combined Barbell with Elastic Band on Muscle Strength, Body Composition, and Balance in Working Age Men

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the squat exercise combined with using barbells and elastic bands on muscle strength, body composition, and balance in working age men. A total of 24 men in working age between 18 and 39 years were randomly selected into 3 Groups using systematic sampling: (a) Combined Training using Elastic Band Weight at 35% (n = 7); (b) Combined Training using Elastic Band Weight at 20% (n = 8); and (c) Control Group (n = 9). The 2 Treatment Groups trained twice per week for 8 weeks. For each training session, squats combined with using elastic band repetitions per set of 4 sets (80% one-repetition maximum [1RM]) were performed in 0-4 weeks and (85% 1RM) in 5-8 weeks. Before and after 8 weeks of training, the participants were tested using the 1RM squat (SQ), Balance Error Score System (BESS), Vertical Jump Reach Test (VJT), and Body Composition. An analysis of the paired t-test revealed that the SQ, BESS, and VJT scores were significantly higher after training in the 2 Treatment Groups (P < 0.05). An analysis of covariance revealed that the SQ and BESS scores were significantly higher than those of the Control Group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected between the 2 Treatment Groups. The results suggest that combining barbell and elastic band exercise increases strength, balance, and power, and combined training with using a band among those who never performed resistance exercise via an applied load of bands that can be used to replace other weights.