Coupling an elastic resistance band to a selectorized resistance machine improves 1-RM bicep curl strength via accommodated resistance training

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of using a selectorized resistance machine with and without the use of elastic resistance bands on bicep strength. Sixty-six participants (30 females) completed a four-week training program exercising thrice weekly. Participants were blinded and randomly allocated to either one of the two intervention groups using an elastic band of 30 lb (EB30) or 50 lb (EB50) coupled to the selectorized resistance machine or the control group using only the selectorized resistance machine (CONT). Standard anthropometric measures and one repetition maximum (1-RM) for the cable bicep curl were measured before and after completing the training program. Although all groups demonstrated significant increases in 1-RM bicep strength, both the EB30 and EB55 groups exhibited higher strength gains than CONT. Furthermore, the EB55 group showed an increase in strength approximately 10% higher than that of EB 30. These results suggest that using EB resistance in conjunction with a conventional selectorized machine can augment strength gains in the biceps.