Evaluation of bio-mechanical characteristics to improve muscle strength imbalance according to exercise load deviation

This study was to provide independent exercise loads in rowing exercise machine, on the improvement of muscle strength imbalance. We recruited twenty four subjects who exhibited one side's muscle strength is bigger in more of greater than 20% than other on one side. One group was dominant left side and the other group was dominant right side. Subjects performed the rowing exercise in electric load deviation rowing machine (Robo.gym, Humonic Co., Ltd, Daegu, Korea). The exercise was progressed to four sets a day including twenty five repetitions per set, and three days a week, for a total of eight weeks. Measurements consist of evaluation of muscular activity, joint torque in the elbow, shoulder. Exercise load deviation adapted that difference value of muscle strength between left and right side arms multiply 1RM% and its plus 1-RM 75% in each side. The result showed that the level of muscle imbalance significantly decreased in shoulder and elbow joint by adapting exercise load deviation. We found out that exercise load deviation provided to the positive effect both muscle strength and endurance at the same time. As a result of this study, rowing exercise using the exercise load deviation is effective in improving muscle strength imbalance.