To investigate the applicability of mechanomyography (MMG) for the evaluation of efficacy of resistance training on maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), nine subjects underwent resistance training in the form of isometric elbow flexion by each subject's left arm. The training consisted of 5 seconds of isometric MVC for 5 times with 1-minute interval in between each contraction. The training was completed 3 times per week for 2 weeks. There were no differences between the limbs nor between pre- and post- training in the morphological measurements such as muscle thickness of elbow flexors, adipose tissue thickness and circumference of upper arm. The gain in the MVC torque achieved by the resistance training in the trained limb amounted to 11% (p<0.01), which eliminated the initially observed difference in the MVC torque between the limbs. Integrated MMG (iMMG) of biceps brachii muscle in the trained limb was significantly increased after training (p<0.05), although the concomitant increase in integrated electromyogram of biceps brachii muscle did not reach statistical significance. Median frequency of MMG did not change after the training. The results suggest that the amount of changes in iMMG can be used for evaluating the efficacy of resistance training.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.20/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE