Comparison of the effects of an explosive strength training program using elastic bands and a whole-body electrostimulation training program

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in performance after implementing two different training methods. One is based on whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), while the other uses elastic bands, which we call functional training with elastics (FTE). The sample included 10 people physically active and healthy (23.04 ± 2.5 years old). This study is a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-measures. The results were obtained in the following physical tests: vertical jump with arm swing and 12-m speed test (2 x 6 m). Descriptive statistics are presented and the effect size, which was low or moderate (d<0.5), is also analyzed due to the size of the sample. Finally, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between groups’ means and the Friedman test to identify differences in pre- and post-evaluations. The results were not significant in any of them (p<0.5). With regard to the pre and post descriptive data, the group using elastic bands obtained better results in both physical tests than the group using EMS. In conclusion, although it is not significant, the training program with elastic bands seems to be more effective than dynamic electrical muscle stimulation. Due to the limitations of this study, the results need to be considered cautiously.