Concurrent training with different aerobic exercises

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of using different intensities and types of aerobic exercise (i. e., cycle ergometer or running) during concurrent training on neuromuscular adaptations. A total of 44 young women were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: concurrent strength and continuous running training (SCR, n=10), concurrent strength and interval running training (SIR, n=11), concurrent strength and continuous cycle ergometer training (SCE, n=11), or strength training only (STO, n=12). Each group trained twice a week during 11 weeks. The following strength measurements were made on all subjects before and after training period: maximal strength (1RM) in knee extension, bench press and leg press exercises; local muscular endurance (number of repetitions at 70% of 1 RM) in knee extension and bench press exercises; and isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extension. There were significant increases in the upper and lower-body 1 RM, isometric and isokinetic peak torque in all training groups (p<0.001), with no differences between groups. The present results suggest that in young women, concurrent training performed twice a week promotes similar neuromuscular adaptations to strength training alone, regardless of the type and the intensity in which the aerobic training is performed.     

Isometric and isokinetic knee joint performance in Japanese alpine ski racers.

Isometric and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric, strength of alpine skiers with different performance levels were measured. Nine national (elite, EG) and 10 collegiate (trained, TG) female alpine skiers (16 to 23 years of age) performed maximal voluntary knee extension and flexion. Peak torque was measured at an angular velocity of 30 deg.s-1. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstring muscles) was determined by an ultrasonic method. No significant differences in anthropometric variables and CSA were observed between EG and TG. EG had significantly greater (p < 0.01 for extensors and p < 0.05 for flexors) eccentric knee extensor and flexor strength than that of TG whereas no significant differences were noted in isometric and concentric strength. Eccentric strength/CSA ratio was also higher for EG than for TG. It was suggested that knee extension and flexion strength during eccentric muscle action might be related to the performance level of alpine skiers.     

Effects of aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance in healthy women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a progressive 10-wk aquatic resistance training on neuromuscular performance and muscle mass of the knee extensors and flexors in healthy women. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy women (34.2 +/- 3.9 yr) were randomly assigned into aquatic exercise (N = 12) and control group (N = 12). Maximum knee extension and flexion torques were measured isometrically and at constant angular velocities of 60 degrees x s(-1) and 180 degrees x s(-1) (isokinetic) with simultaneous electromyography (EMG) recordings of the quadriceps and hamstrings. The lean muscle mass (LCSA) of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was determined by computed tomography scanning. RESULTS: Significant interaction of group by time was observed in each of the measured parameters. The change in extension and flexion isometric/isokinetic torque varied between 8 and 13% and in EMGs between 10 and 27% in the exercise group. The change in the quadriceps LCSA of the exercise group was 4% and in hamstrings 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that 10 wk of progressive aquatic resistance training resulted in significant improvement in muscle torque of the knee extensors and flexors accompanied with proportional improvement in neural activation and with significant increase in the LCSA of the trained muscles. Aquatic training can be recommended for neuromuscular conditioning in healthy persons.     

Muscle strength and size balances between reciprocal muscle groups in the thigh and lower leg for young men

The present study investigated whether the muscle size balance affects the muscle strength balance between reciprocal muscle groups in the thigh and lower leg. 18 young men volunteered as subjects. The joint torques developed during isometric maximal voluntary knee extension and flexion, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion were measured using a dynamometer. The muscle volumes of knee extensors and flexors, plantar flexors and dorsiflexors were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. For each of the muscle groups, the joint torque was significantly correlated with the muscle volume (r=0.644-0.847) and the y-intercept of the regression line between them was not significantly different from zero. Based on these observations, the dependencies of muscle strength balance on muscle size balance between the knee extensors and flexors and between the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors were investigated using the joint torque and muscle volume. The correlation between muscle volume ratio and joint torque ratio was significant between the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors (r=0.622) but not between the knee extensors and flexors (r=0.128). Thus, it is suggested that the strength balance is strongly affected by the size balance between the reciprocal muscle groups in the lower leg but not in the thigh.     

A moderate carbohydrate and fat diet does not impair strength performance in moderately trained males

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of varied levels of dietary carbohydrate and fat intake on exercise training and high intensity exercise performance in moderately strength trained, aerobic trained and untrained males. METHODS: Subjects (6 strength trained, 6 aerobically trained serving as an active control group, 6 sedentary) consumed isoenergetic diets considered either high CHO/low fat (HC/LF: total energy 62% CHO, 20% fat, 18% protein) or moderate CHO and fat (MC/MF: total energy 42% CHO, 40% fat, 18% protein) in a randomly assigned crossover design. Each dietary treatment was three weeks in length. Prior to the study and following each dietary treatment, muscular strength and endurance was determined (isokinetic knee extension and flexion, standard concentric free weight bench press). RESULTS: No differences as a result of the dietary treatment were seen in isokinetic peak torque, total work production, single repetition maximum (1 RM) bench press, or number of bench press repetitions at 80% 1 RM. Self-reported exercise log data showed no dietary effect on the subject's ability to maintain training level. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that varying dietary macronutrient content (HC/LF or MC/MF) had no effect on exercise training or strength exercise performance in moderately trained (aerobic and strength) or sedentary males.     

Clinical progress and quadriceps torque ratios during training of meniscectomy patients.

A prospective study of 21 patients after a meniscectomy is presented. During a standardized training program, consisting of static and dynamic exercises five times a week during 8 weeks, the following clinical signs were monitored: pain, swelling and limitation of the range of motion of the knee joint. Furthermore, isometric and isokinetic maximal torque of the knee extensors of both legs was determined in the patient group, as well as in a control group of healthy subjects (n = 11). We found that swelling of the knee joint seems to be the major cause of inhibition of muscle strength, resulting in low torque values in the initial phase of the training program. Mean maximal isometric torque of the operated knee increased from 151 Nm (SD = 50) to 282 Nm (SD = 50). Isokinetic mean maximal torque increased from 77 Nm (SD = 32) to 164 Nm (SD = 28). Isometric and isokinetic mean maximal torque of the nonoperated leg increased 15% and 10%, respectively. In the control group torque output of the knee extensors remained at about the same level. It appeared that the torque differences between both legs are more pronounced in the isokinetic tests than in the isometric tests. At the end of the training program isometric and isokinetic maximal torque of the knee extensors of the operated knee still showed a deficit of 12% and 21%, respectively. Isokinetic testing is more sensitive for small strength differences than isometric testing.     

强化循环训练对新兵膝屈伸肌功能影响的等速测试研究

目的　研究强化循环训练对新兵膝屈伸肌功能的影响。方法　 16 0名新兵进行 8周强化循环训练 ,训练前后采用Cybex 6 0 0 0型等速运动测试仪对膝屈伸肌肌力、肌爆发力及肌耐力进行等速测试并加以比较。结果　新兵训练后双膝屈伸肌的峰力矩、力矩加速能和耐力比在不同测试速度 (6 0°/s,180°/s)时有不同程度的提高 ,训练前后相比差异有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　 8周的强化循环训练能达到全面发展新兵膝屈伸肌肌力、肌爆发力和肌耐力的目的。     

Influence of acute eccentric exercise on the H:Q ratio

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of an acute bout of eccentric exercise on maximal isokinetic concentric peak torque (PT) of the leg flexors and extensors and the hamstrings-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio. Sixteen male (mean±SD: age=20.9±2 years; stature=177.0±4.4 cm; mass=76.8±10.0 kg) volunteers performed maximal, concentric isokinetic leg extension and flexion muscle actions at 60°·sec?-?1 before and after (24-72 h) a bout of eccentric exercise. The eccentric exercise protocol consisted of 4 sets of 10 repetitions for the leg press, leg extension, and leg curl exercises at 120% of the concentric one repetition maximum (1-RM). The results indicated that the acute eccentric exercise protocol resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decrease in isokinetic leg flexion (13-19%) and leg extension (11-16%) PT 24-72 h post-exercise. However, the H:Q ratios were unaltered by the eccentric exercise protocol. These findings suggest that an acute bout of eccentric exercise utilizing both multi - and single - joint dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercises results in similar decreases in maximal isokinetic strength of the leg flexors and extensors, but does not alter the H:Q ratio.     

Effects of resistance training and detraining on muscle strength and blood lipid profiles in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of eight weeks of supervised, low intensity resistance training (80% of 10 repetition maximum (10RM)) and eight weeks of detraining on muscle strength and blood lipid profiles in healthy, sedentary postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS: Fifteen postmenopausal women, aged 49-62 years, took part in the study. Subjects were assigned to either a control (n = 7) or training (n = 8) group. The training regimen consisted of three sets of eight repetitions of leg press, bench press, knee extension, knee flexion, and lat pull-down, three days a week at 80% of 10RM. Dynamic leg strength, 10RM, and blood lipid profiles (total cholesterol (TC), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)) were measured at baseline, after eight weeks of training, and after a further eight weeks of detraining. RESULTS: Eight weeks of resistance training produced significant increases in knee extension (F(1,13) = 12.60; p<0.01), bench press (F(1,13) = 13.79; p<0.01), leg press (F(1,13) = 15.65; p<0.01), and lat pull-down (F(1,13) = 16.60; p<0.005) 10RM strength tests. Although 10RM strength decreased after eight weeks of detraining, the results remained significantly elevated from baseline measures. Eight weeks of training did not result in any significant alterations in blood lipid profiles, body composition, or dynamic isokinetic leg strength. There were no significant differences in any of the variables investigated over the 16 week period in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a short, low intensity resistance training programme produces substantial improvements in muscle strength. Training of this intensity and duration was not sufficient to produce significant alterations in blood lipid concentrations.     

Progressive versus rapid rate of contraction during 7 wk of isometric resistance training.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of isometric training performed with progressive versus rapid rate of contraction on the knee extensor neuromuscular properties over a 7-wk period. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male subjects trained quadriceps femoris muscle in a leg extension machine three times a week during 7 wk. The training sessions consisted of six sets of six maximal isometric contractions. A first group trained by performing progressive contractions lasting 4 s, whereas a second group performed contractions with a rapid rate of contraction (i.e., ballistic contractions) lasting about 1 s. RESULTS: Both groups significantly increased the isometric and isokinetic voluntary torque, and the respective absolute or relative gains were comparable. Isometric training performed with progressive rate of contraction affected the evoked action potential (M wave) of the vastus lateralis muscle and not the related twitch properties. On the other hand, the isometric training completed with ballistic contractions significantly modified the twitch contractile properties of the knee extensors and not the associated M waves of both vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. CONCLUSION: Knee extensors adapted specifically their neuromuscular properties to the type of rate of contraction performed during 7-wk isometric resistance training. Progressive isometric contractions produced modifications of the nervous system at peripheral level (i.e., muscle membrane electrical activity), whereas ballistic isometric contractions affected the knee extensor contractile muscle properties (i.e., excitation-contraction coupling).     

Oral amino-acid provision does not affect muscle strength or size gains in older men

PURPOSE: The intent of this investigation was to examine the effects of a daily oral provision consisting of amino acids (L-lysine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-histidine, L-isoleucine, and L-methionine) in combination with carbohydrates (dextrose, sucrose, and fructose) on whole muscle strength and size characteristics during a 12-wk progressive knee extensor resistance training (PRT) program in older men (>65 yr). METHODS: Seventeen older men were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EX) or control (CN) groups. The EX (N = 8) and CN (N = 9) groups had the following characteristics-EX: 70.8 +/- 1.5 yr, 91.0 +/- 4.9 kg, and 177.0 +/- 3.9 cm; CN: 72.1 +/- 1.9 yr, 75.4 +/- 4.7 kg, and 176.1 +/- 3.0. Pre and post PRT maximal unilateral isometric torque (N.m), isokinetic torque (1.05, 1.57, 2.09, 3.14, 4.19, and 5.24 rad.s-1), work capacity (30 consecutive reps at 3.14 rad.s-1) torque, one repetition maximum (1RM) bilateral isotonic strength, and whole muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the mid-thigh were performed by computed tomography on each subject. RESULTS: All variables showed an improvement with training (P < 0.05); however, there were no differences between the groups. Both groups increased in isometric strength by 21%, and isokinetic torque by 24% to 11% with the varying velocities (1.05-5.24 rad.s-1). Whole muscle 1RM strength and thigh CSA increased 50% and 6.5%, respectively. Additionally, voluntary torque/CSA increased 12% in both the EX and CN groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these data suggest that whole muscle strength and size are not enhanced with a postexercise daily provision of an oral amino-acid complex during 12 wk of PRT in older men.     

Knee flexor strength and rate of torque development deficits in women with patellofemoral pain are related to poor objective function

BackgroundDeficits in knee flexor strength and rate of torque development (RTD) might be present in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP). In addition, maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors might be related with subjective and objective function in women with PFP. However, both conjectures are still poorly understood.Research questionDo women with PFP have deficits in the maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions? Is there a relationship between maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors with subjective and objective function in women with PFP?MethodsFifty-six women with, and 46 women without, PFP participated. Maximal strength and RTD (to 30% and 60% maximal torque) during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions of the knee flexors and extensors were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Objective assessment included single leg hop test (SLHT) and forward step-down test (FSDT). Subjective assessment involved the anterior knee pain scale.ResultsWomen with PFP had small to large deficits in maximal strength and RTD of the knee flexors and extensors during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions (Effect sizes: -0.43 to -1.10; p ≤ 0.016). Small to moderate correlations of maximal concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD with SLHT and FSDT (r = 0.28 to 0.41; p ≤ 0.037) were identified. Subjective or objective function were not correlated with maximal isometric knee flexor strength and RTD, or any knee extensor measures (p > 0.05).SignificanceMaximal strength and RTD deficits of the knee flexors and extensors were identified in this female PFP cohort, but they were unrelated to subjective function. The relationship of concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength and RTD deficits with poor objective function should be considered in future exercise trials for women with PFP.     

Effects and mechanisms of strength training in children

It has been demonstrated that strength training can be organized in children in a safe and effective way. However, there is limited data regarding its impact on muscle hypertrophy. This study investigated the effects of a high-intensity strength training (HIS) on knee extensor/flexor strength, countermovement (CMJ) jumping height, postural control, soft lean mass and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dominant leg in prepubertal children. Thirty-two children participated in this study and were assigned to an intervention (INT; N=17) or a control class ( N=15). The INT participated in 10 weeks of weight-machine based HIS integrated in physical education. Pre/post tests included the measurements of peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors at 60 and 180°/s, CMJ jumping height, postural sway, soft lean mass of the leg by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and CSA (m. quadriceps) by magnetic resonance imaging. HIS resulted in significant increases in knee extensor/flexor peak torque (60°/s and 180°/s). HIS did not produce significant changes in CMJ jumping height, postural sway, soft lean mass, and CSA. Although HIS was effective at increasing peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors in children, it was unable to affect muscle size. It appears that neural factors rather than muscle hypertrophy account for the observed strength gains in children.     

Elbow flexion and extension strength relative to body or muscle size in children

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine gender- and age-related differences in elbow flexion and extension strength in children, when linear size measurements and actual measurements of muscle size were used as explanatory variables in a multilevel model. METHODS: Thirty-seven children participated in a 3-yr longitudinal study (18 boys and 19 girls). The average age +/- SD at the first test occasion was 13.0 +/- 0.3 yr. Stature, arm length, isokinetic concentric and isometric elbow extension and flexion torques, and MRI-determined elbow flexor and extensor muscle cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were assessed annually. Multilevel modeling was used to describe the relationship between the measured torques and body/muscle size variables, incorporating age, age by gender, and gender as additional explanatory variables. RESULTS: When muscle CSA was included in the static and dynamic torque multilevel models, gender differences in strength were nonsignificant. In contrast, use of stature or arm length alone, suggested gender differences in strength that could not be explained by differences in body size. All torque measures were best explained by inclusion of muscle CSA and a linear dimension in the models. Age also explained additional variance in torque, but the influence of age was action and muscle specific. CONCLUSION: Use of only linear dimensions rather than muscle CSA to account for differences in size may have clouded our understanding of strength development in children.     

Association between polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and muscular strength in young Chinese women

The association between the polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and isokinetic muscular strength was examined in 109 healthy, young Chinese women. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from mouthwash samples and vitamin D receptor genotypes were determined with the established methods. The peak torque of the dominant limb in concentric and eccentric knee extensors and flexors and elbow extensors and flexors was measured using Cybex-Norm-770 isokinetic dynamometer at slow and fast velocities. The distribution frequency of vitamin D receptor gene alleles was analyzed by chi-square test. The difference in muscular strength between VDR genotype groups was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The ApaI, BsmI and TaqI alleles and genotype frequencies appeared to be in a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Subjects with the vitamin D receptor ApaI null (A allele) mutation (AA) exhibited significantly lower knee and elbow concentric or eccentric peak torque than those with aa homozygous or Aa heterozygous. The BB & Bb group showed significantly higher peak torque in concentric knee flexors than bb group. No association was found between vitamin D receptor gene TaqI and muscular strength. The data indicated that vitamin D receptor gene ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms rather than TaqI polymorphism might be associated with muscular strength.     

Effects of resistance, endurance, and concurrent exercise on training outcomes in men

The specificity of training principle predicts that combining resistance and endurance training (concurrent training) could interfere with the maximum development of strength and endurance capacity that results from either type of training alone. PURPOSE: To determine whether endurance and resistance training performed concurrently produces different performance and physiologic responses compared with each type of training alone. METHODS: Untrained male volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: endurance training (ET, N = 12); resistance training (RT, N = 13); and concurrent training (CT, N = 16). The following measurements were made on all subjects before and after 12 wk of training: weight, percent body fat, peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)), isokinetic peak torque and average power produced during single-leg flexion and extension at 60 and 180 degrees.s, one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press, 1RM bench press, vertical jump height, and calculated jump power. RESULTS: Weight and lean body mass (LBM) increased significantly in the RT and CT groups (P < 0.05). Percent body fat was significantly decreased in the ET and CT groups. VO(2peak) was significantly improved only in the ET group. Peak torque during flexion and extension at 180 degrees.s(-1) increased in the RT group. Improvements in 1RM leg press and bench press were significant in all groups, but were significantly greater in the RT and CT compared to the ET group. Jump power improved significantly only in the RT group, and no group showed a significant change in vertical jump height. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent training performed by young, healthy men does not interfere with strength development, but may hinder development of maximal aerobic capacity.     

The effects of strength training, cardiovascular training and their combination on flexibility of inactive older adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training, strength training and their combination on joint range of motion of inactive older individuals. Thirty-two inactive older men (65 - 78 yr) were assigned to one of four groups (n = 8 per group): control (C), strength training (ST), cardiovascular training (CT), and combination of strength and aerobic training (SA). Subjects in the S, A, and SA trained three times a week for 16 weeks. ST included 10 resistance exercises for the major muscle groups at an intensity of 55 - 80% of 1-RM and CT included walking/jogging at 50 - 80 % of maximal heart rate. Body weight and height, physical activity level and maximal oxygen uptake (.VO(2)max) were measured before the training period. Isokinetic (60 and 180 deg x sec(-1)) and concentric strength (1-RM in bench and leg press) were assessed prior to and at the end of the training period. Hip flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, shoulder extension, flexion, and adduction, knee flexion, elbow flexion and sit-and-reach score were determined before and at 8 and 16 weeks of training. There were no differences between groups in .VO(2)max, body weight, and height (p < 0.05). ST and SA but not CT and C increased isokinetic and concentric strength at the end of the training period (p < 0.05). ST and SA increased significantly (p < 0.05) sit-and-reach performance, elbow flexion, knee flexion, shoulder flexion and extension and hip flexion and extension both at mid- and post-training. CT increased (p < 0.05) only hip flexion and extension at post training. Results indicate that resistance training may be able to increase range of motion of a number of joints of inactive older individuals possibly due to an improvement in muscle strength.     

Reliability of isokinetic normalized peak torque assessments for knee muscles in post-stroke hemiparesis

The purpose of this study was to establish test–retest reliability of measurement procedures for quantifying isokinetic concentric peak torque (PT) at the knee using normalization methods post-stroke. A second aim was to estimate the change required to show clinically significant improvements in knee muscles strength. The isokinetic normalized PT (NPT) values for the knee extensors and flexors were measured in each participant at two different angular velocities during two sessions 1 day apart. Thirty participants with mild to moderate hemiparesis after stroke who were able to walk were tested. The normalized PT measures for the knee muscles of the affected lower extremity were highly reliable (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.85 to 0.98; p < 0.05). Size of relative changes (the percent smallest real difference, SRD%) for extensors NPT (ranged from 22.35% to 25.68%) were lower than flexors NPT (ranged from 74.01% to 76.31%), indicating that the affected isokinetic knee flexors had more random variation than the knee extensors. This study supports the use of isokinetic dynamometers for the assessment of knee muscle strength in participants with chronic mild to moderate post-stroke hemiparesis and to measure clinical improvements. Established measurement error and smallest real differences in normalized PT will aid interpretation of real changes in muscle strength in this clinical population.     

Heavy-resistance training in older Scandinavian men and women: short- and long-term effects on arm and leg muscles

The short- and long-term effects of heavy-resistance training (85% of one-repetition maximum (RM)) on elbow flexion and knee extension dynamic and isokinetic strength and on morphology in the biceps brachii and vastus lateralis muscles were evaluated during 1 year in 35 Scandinavian men and women, aged 70–77 years, 12 of whom formed a control group. After the first 11 weeks of training ( n =23; 3 times/week) elbow flexion and knee extension dynamic strength (1 RM) had increased [mean±SD] 49%±16 and 163%±75, respectively, with no significant difference between men and women. For the following 27 weeks, strength was maintained with one training session per week ( n =12) but dropped without training ( n =11). After the final 11 weeks of training ( n =11; 3 times/week), strength had further increased 32%±16 in both the arm and the leg. Isokinetic strength measurements (Cybex II; 30%s) revealed similar but smaller gains than for dynamic strength. Muscle biopsies ( n =20) taken at the start and after the first 11 weeks of training showed a significant increase in the area of both type 1 and type 2 fibers in the biceps brachii muscle and a positive significant correlation between the percentage increase in the proportional area of type 2 fibers in the vastus lateralis muscle and the percentage increase in knee extension dynamic muscle strength. In conclusion, older Scandinavian men and women have a high capacity both to improve and to maintain muscle strength, some of which is mediated through an adaptation in the muscle fiber type population.     

Muscular strength changes in hospitalized anorexic patients after an eight week resistance training program

We investigated whether an eight week, light resistance program could increase the muscular strength of the knee and elbow extensors and flexors in a group of hospitalized anorexic patients compared to anorexic controls (AC) who did not participate in the training program, but received the same caloric intake, and non-anorexic exercisers (NAE) who undertook the resistance training program. After the resistance training program, the seven anorexic exercisers (AE) significantly increased the peak torque (PT) of their knee extensors (p < 0.001), flexors (p < 0.0001) and elbow flexors (p < 0.01). In comparison, the seven anorexic non-exercisers (anorexic controls, AC) and seven non-anorexic exercisers (NAE), who performed the same program, showed no significant increase in peak torque after the program (p > 0.05). The study has demonstrated that an eight week, light resistance program increases the knee and elbow strength of the hospitalized anorexic patients.