Effects of Upper and Lower Extremity Resistance Training on Resting Metabolic Rate

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify changes in resting metabolic rate with upper and lower-extremity resistance training exercises. Seven test subjects consisting of 2 males (ages 20-26) and five females (ages 19-participated in the study. Both males were trained, and one of the females was trained. Subjects were assigned into either the upper extremity (lat pull-down, bicep curl, tricep extension, chest press, shoulder press) group or the lower extremity (modified squat, modified lunge, leg press, leg extension, leg curl) group. Participants performed each movement under three different conditions, 50%, 60%, and 75% 1 -RM. Subjects lifted at 50% 1 -RM for weeks 1-2, 60% weeks 3-4, and 75% 1 -RM weeks 5-6. Subjects exercised 2 times a week for the first 3 weeks and 3 times a week for the last 3 weeks. Following 6-weeks of resistance training, the upper-extremity resistance training which consisted of four subjects had no significance (p<0.66) on post RMR measurements. The lower-extremity resistance training group consisting of three subjects as well had no significance (p<0.28) on post RMR measurements. The present study was not able to provide significant differences from pre- to post RMR measurements with a 6-week resistance training program varying in intensities from 50 percent to 75 percent of a previously determined 1 - RM.