The aim of this thesis was to test the effects of two different isometric exercise modalities, HIMA (hold/maintain in isometric position) and PIMA (push/pull isometric bracing), on ankle extensor strength, ankle extensor abduction strength and ankle extensor passive stiffness in a sample of non-physically active individuals. Eleven boys participated in the 8-week exercise study, 5 with PIMA (age 25.4 ± 1.9 yrs; height 175.2 ± 3.9 cm; body mass 76.4 ± 7.6 kg) and 6 with HIMA (age 22.2 ± 4.5 yrs; height 182 ± 6.7 cm; body mass 78.3 ± 13.4 kg). Before and at the end of the exercise study, baseline measurements were performed in the laboratory of the Faculty of Sport, which included strength testing protocols, a passive stiffness test on an isokinetic device, and a depth jump test from a height of 20 cm and 40 cm.
The eight-week training session was performed twice a week for the first four weeks and then three times a week for the last 4 weeks in a private fitness room. The training consisted of several series of isometric toe raises unilaterally 90° at the ankle performed with HIMA and PIMA.
Analysis of variance for repeated measures ANCOVA was used to analyse the differences in progress between the two groups on each test. We found a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference in progress for the 20 cm deep jump test for the observed variable jump height. The HIMA group improved by 3 cm more than the PIMA group (0.19 m - 0.21 m). For the other variables of the depth jump and the tests of strength and passive stiffness, we did not observe statistically significant differences in progress between the groups.
Contrary to the literature, we found better progress of the HIMA group on the push-off strength variable. However, due to our small sample size of 11 subjects, we cannot claim that performing the HIMA exercise is more suitable for better progress in push-off strength. According to our findings, we can state that there are no differences in progress between the two groups when performing maximal stretching. Thus, in practice, we can recommend the PIMA method as the more appropriate method to reduce balance problems and to allow faster and easier positioning and setting of the maximal load.
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