VARS Data

Citation Author(s):
Ibrahim
Kadhim
Submitted by:
Ibrahim Kadhim
Last updated:
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 14:36
DOI:
10.21227/2z6h-3b02
License:
0
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Abstract 

While resistance training promotes muscle hypertrophy, accessibility of equipment is a barrier. This study evaluated a wearable VAriable Resistance Suit (VARS) as a novel and alternative method to achieve muscle hypertrophy. It was hypothesized that by providing adjustable, bi-directional and speed dependent resistance, VARS can target specific muscles to improve muscle strength, size and mass in an accessible and portable device. Twelve untrained healthy male adults (22.08 ± 4.1 years old) participated in a 8-week long resistance training using VARS to strengthen four muscles (biceps brachii, triceps brachii, biceps femoris, rectus femoris) of their non-dominant arm and leg using VARS. The results showed significant improvements in the muscle strength measured by isokinetic dynamometer – 49.9±9.6% increase in isokinetic force and 30.6±7.6% increase in isometric force. Muscle size and body composition were also assessed using ultrasound imaging and bioelectrical impedance analysis, revealing moderate improvements but they did not reach statistically significant differences. The study demonstrates the efficacy and feasibility of VARS as a resistance training tool to achieve muscle hypertrophy and its potential extension to clinical populations to treat muscle atrophy, dystrophy or sarcopenia.

Instructions: 

The VARS Data file has three tabs.

1-     The first file named Biodex Data Elbow and Knee has the muscle strength related data collected using a Biosex system. The top table has the elbow strength data, and the bottom table has the Knee strength data. Each table has the isokinetic and isometric torque data of the first, second, and last assessment sessions respectively.

2-     The second file named InBoday data has the body composition data collected using an InBody system. The column notation 1st, 2nd and 3rd refer to the first, second and third assessment sessions respectively.

3-     The third file named Ultrasound Data has the muscle size related data collected via an ultrasound system. The data has the muscle cross sectional area (CSA), rested thickness, and contracted thickness for each of the targeted muscles. in the subject column, each subject is repeated three times once for each of the three trials performed during each assessment session.