A comparative analysis of resistance band versus dumbbell training on explosive strength performance of male track & field athletes

Background: In sports and for physical fitness capacity explosive strength is of great significance, as the players regularly require high-intensity actions as fast as possible. Objective: to compare the effects of resistance training with resistance bands and resistance training with dumbbells on the explosive strength performance of male track & field athletes Materials & Methods: A randomized control trial study design was used for this study, the participants were male track & field athletes, aged above 18 years and above actively involved in any competitive sports. a total of n=60 participants were equally divided into three groups i.e., Resistance band group (RBG), Dumbbells Resistance Group (DRG), and control group (CG). The vertical jump and standing board jump tests were performed to evaluate the explosive power at the baseline and after the 8th-week intervention. Results: There was a significant difference among the groups when comparing the vertical jump (p<0.001) and standing board tests (p<0.001). The group that received resistance band and dumbbell training showed significant (p<0.05) better results than the control group in the vertical jump test. There was no significant difference between resistance band and dumbbell (p=0.215) training after the 8-week intervention. When comparing the standing board jump test, the resistance band group was significantly improved (p<0.05) than the group that received Dumbbell training and the control group. But no significant difference (p=0.234) between the control and dumbbell groups. Conclusion: Resistance band training is a great option for increasing explosive strength. Although dumbbells are useful in strength training, bands make it easier to lift heavy weights quickly. Keywords: athletes; dumbbells; physical performance; resistance band training; standing broad test; vertical jump test