Effects of an endurance and strength training program on lifting capability of males

One of the possible means of reducing human susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries is by increasing the individual's lifting capability by prior training. The paper describes a 6 week training program that successfully increased the maximal oxygen uptake, isometric strength and lifting capability of 10 male subjects. The program trained subjects for flexibility, muscle strength (by applying the concept of progressive resistance exercise), muscle endurance (by lifting light loads at high frequency of lift) and cardiovascular endurance (by exercising on a bicycle ergometer). The training program resulted in significant increase in the maximal oxygen uptake and isometric back, arm, leg and shoulder strengths of the subjects. The maximum acceptable weight lifted, using a compact box for different heights of lift, also increased significantly.