The Effects of Concurrent Training Programs on Lower Body Muscular Body Strength among Trained Males

Bakmiwewa, Kristan Cheyenne (2025) The Effects of Concurrent Training Programs on Lower Body Muscular Body Strength among Trained Males. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of concurrent training programs on lower body muscular strength among trained males. Twenty-six trained males, aged 20.38 ± 1.89 years old completed this study, (MICT, n = 13) and (HIIT, n = 13). All subjects were required to perform the 1-RM Back Squat Test to assess lower body muscular strength and NordBord Hamstring Test to assess eccentric hamstring strength and asymmetry during the pre- and post-test phase. Both groups underwent their respective training protocols twice a week for 8-weeks with resistance training (RT) performed before endurance training (MICT or HIIT). In detail, the RT program possessed 4 exercises and was immediately followed up by MICT or HIIT within a single session. Throughout the 8-week intervention, all programs (RT, MICT and HIIT) were progressed accordingly. Following the intervention, the results revealed that both groups significantly enhanced 1-RM Back Squat performance (p < .001), for both. Besides that, only the HIIT group revealed a significant improvement in peak eccentric hamstring strength for sum of both limbs (L +R) and right limb only (p = .024), for both. On the contrary, the MICT group demonstrated no significant improvements for all eccentric hamstring strength tests, (p > .05), for all. Eccentric hamstring strength asymmetry also revealed no significant differences in both groups following the intervention (MICT: p = .419 and HIIT: p = .530). Lastly, for all test variables, no significant differences were observed between the MICT and HIIT group in the post-test, (p > .05), for all. The findings of this study imply that MICT or HIIT in addition to RT similarly improved 1-RM Back Squat performance. However, the HIIT group yielded a significant enhancement in eccentric hamstring strength which may have been attributed to the nature of HIIT which stimulates Type II muscle fibers. In conclusion, the present study suggests that endurance training intensity does not compromise lower body muscular strength gains. Additionally, although both interventions yielded favorable outcomes, HIIT is recommended in the interest of time efficiency and enhanced eccentric hamstring strength adaptations.