Description

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Technogyms BioStrength machines compared to conventional strength training equipment in improving physical performance, muscle strength and body composition in untrained adults. The primary objective is to determine whether the BioStrength machines, which provide real-time feedback on movement amplitude, speed and force, lead to superior results in terms of muscle strength, body composition and training efficiency compared to conventional fitness equipment.

The study will follow a randomised controlled trial design over a 12-week period, using a minimisation technique to assign participants to either the BioStrength training group or the traditional strength training group. This technique ensures that key prognostic factors such as age, gender and baseline handgrip strength are balanced between the groups, as randomisation alone may not adequately address these factors in smaller sample sizes. Participants will attend three training sessions per week, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The BioStrength group will use advanced machines that provide personalised feedback to optimise training, while the traditional group will use standard strength training machines without feedback technology.

The primary outcomes measured in this study include maximum strength, handgrip strength and body composition. Maximal strength will be assessed using the 10-RM (Repetition Maximum) test on leg press and chest press exercises, which determines the maximum weight participants can lift for 10 consecutive repetitions. Hand grip strength is measured using a Jamar dynamometer, with participants performing three attempts on each hand and recording the highest value. Body composition will be measured using bioimpedance analysis (BIA), a non-invasive method of estimating muscle mass and body fat percentage. In addition, circumference measurements of the arms, legs and waist will provide complementary data on changes in muscle growth and fat distribution.

The study will recruit 42 healthy adults aged 30-65 years with no more than six months of previous resistance training experience. Participants with a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, arthritis, or other medical conditions that could affect physical performance will be excluded. To allow for a 20% drop-out rate, the study will aim to recruit 21 participants per group. Recruitment will take place through a local fitness centre, using social media advertisements and flyers. Participants will be instructed to maintain their usual dietary habits throughout the 12-week intervention period. They will be asked not to make any significant changes to their diet or to introduce any new dietary supplements, as these could influence the outcomes related to muscle strength, body composition and overall physical fitness.

The study will consist of three phases: baseline, intervention and post-intervention. During baseline testing, participants will undergo strength and body composition assessments over two days, including the 10-RM test, handgrip strength measurements, BIA and circumference measurements. The intervention period will last 12 weeks, during which time participants will complete their assigned training programme under the supervision of a sports scientist who will conduct the assessments. After the intervention, all participants will repeat the same tests to assess changes in strength and body composition.

Data will be analysed using two-factor ANOVA to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes between the two groups. The primary focus will be on changes in maximum strength, handgrip strength and body composition.

It is hypothesised that the BioStrength training group will show greater improvements in strength, handgrip strength and body composition compared to the traditional strength training group. The advanced feedback provided by the BioStrength machines is expected to result in more efficient and effective strength gains. This study has the potential to provide valuable insight into the benefits of using advanced strength training equipment and could influence future training protocols, particularly for individuals new to strength training.

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Graz and participants will be fully informed of the purpose, procedures and potential risks of the study before providing written informed consent. All data will be anonymised and confidentiality will be strictly maintained throughout the study.

This research could have significant implications for commercial fitness facilities as it aims to show whether BioStrength machines offer measurable benefits over traditional gym equipment. If successful, the study could contribute to the development of more efficient, data-driven training interventions that optimise muscle growth and body composition improvements for a wider population.