Improvement in sit-up performance associated with 2 different training regimens.
METHODS
Factorial experimental design.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcomes of 2 different abdominal muscular fitness training regimens on sit-up performance across sex and abdominal muscular fitness level.


BACKGROUND
Researchers suggest that the curl-up, when compared to the sit-up, optimizes the challenge to the abdominal muscles while minimizing shear and compressive forces on the lumbar spine. Although researchers have compared curl-ups and sit-ups in many ways, a comparison of sit-up performance after training programs involving curl-ups and sit-ups has not been investigated.


METHODS
One hundred two active, healthy, college-aged subjects participated in this study. After stratification based upon maximal 2-minute sit-up performance during the orientation session, subjects were randomly assigned to either a training group using curl-up exercise, a training group using sit-up exercise, or a control group. Maximal 2-minute sit-up test performance was measured before and after a 6-week training program. Data were analyzed utilizing an ANOVA model. Significant interactions or main effects were analyzed utilizing Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference Test. Level of significance for all testing was at alpha = 0.05.


RESULTS
The sit-up training group improved significantly (P < 0.05). No significant difference in sit-up performance was noted for the curl-up or control groups after the 6-week training program. No statistically significant difference in improvement was noted between sex of subject and level of abdominal muscular fitness of subject.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term sit-up training with the Modified Kersey Method in this population significantly improved a maximum 2-minute sit-up test performance. Curl-up training utilizing the same method did not result in improvement in the number of sit-ups performed in 2 minutes. Specificity of training provides the primary explanation for our findings.
Baxter
Richard E
RE
US Army, currently attending Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66048, USA. richard.e.baxter@wp.amedd.army.mil
Moore
Josef H
JH
Pendergrass
Timothy L
TL
Crowder
Todd A
TA
Lynch
Shannon
S
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis