Date of Graduation

12-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Di Brezzo, Ro

Committee Member

Fort, Inza L.

Second Committee Member

Gray, Michelle

Keywords

Social sciences; Health and environmental sciences; Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; Electromyography; High-intensity resistance; Post-menopausal; Sarcopenia; Shake weight

Abstract

The Shake Weight® (SW®) is designed to improve muscular fitness in a quick and inexpensive way. This study aimed to determine if the SW® was an effective tool at improving muscular fitness, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in post-menopausal women. Participants were 17 healthy, post-menopausal women from aMidwestern University and divided into two training (SW® and HIT) interventions that lasted 10 weeks. HIT participants performed three sets of 8 repetitions at 80% of their estimated 1RM for the chest press, leg press, lat pulldown, and seated row. SW® participants performed the exercises prescribed by the SW® manufacturer. Changes in muscular strength were determined via handgrip dynamometry and muscular endurance was determined via a modified YMCA bench press test. Surface electromyography was used to determine changes in motor unit recruitment. Neither group showed significant improvements in handgrip strength, BMD, fat mass, and the SW® group showed no significant change in YMCA scores. The SW® group had a significant reduction in fat free mass after the intervention (p = .033). The HIT group showed significant improvements in YMCA bench press scores (p = .013) and all measures of muscular strength via 8RM (p < .05) except for the chest press. The HIT group showed significant increases in motor unit activity for the anterior deltoid and bicep while shaking either the dumbbell or the SW®. Neither group improved on any EMG measurement. This study indicates that the SW® is ineffective at altering muscular fitness, BMD, or body composition in post-menopausal women.

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