The effect of abdominal strength or endurance exercises on abdominal peak torque and endurance field tests of healthy participants: A randomized controlled trial

• There were no group differences in outcomes from strength or endurance training.
• Within group improvements were noted for timed sit-ups and hand-held dynamometry.
• Within group reductions were noted for isokinetic eccentric abdominal strength.
• Training did not impact plank or sustained v-sit hold times.

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of muscular endurance and resisted strengthening protocols on abdominal strength and endurance in a sample of young subjects.DesignRandomized Clinical Trial.SettingUniversity fitness laboratory.Participants79 healthy subjects, (45 males and 34 females) aged 23.5 ± 5.8 years.Main outcome measuresMeasurements were taken at baseline and 12 weeks. Abdominal strength and endurance were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) and four floor tests including the timed front plank (FP), angle sit (AS), sit-up (SU), and handheld dynamometer (HD).ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed no between group differences for the outcomes or group × time interaction (P = 0.52 and P = 0.31 respectively). The univariate within group analysis was significant for SU P = .001, HD rectus P = .007, HD oblique P = .005, and for the IKD peak eccentric torque P = .025.ConclusionsA 12-week intervention program addressing endurance or strength did not produce between-group differences over a control group of routine activity maintenance.