Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the effects of an 8-week training with the elastic resistance bands on body composition and postural control in sedentary women. Thirty-four female sedentary university students participated in the study based on voluntariness. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: The experimental group and the control group. The experimental group performed an 8-week elastic resistance band training. Body composition measurements included the body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, skinfold thicknesses, and circumferences. The Overall Stability Index and limit of stability were measured to evaluate postural performance using the Biodex Balance System. The overall stability index scores were evaluated for two conditions: Eye-open and eye-closed. After the training, body weight, the circumferences of waist, upper arm, and calf significantly increased (p<0.05) although there was no change in the circumferences of the hip, thigh, shoulder, and chest (p>0.05). The skinfold thicknesses and body fat percentage decreased in the experimental group (p<0.05). The training caused the overall stability index scores to reduce in eye-open and eye-closed conditions. There was no significant difference in the limit of stability scores (p>0.05). In conclusion, these results show that elastic resistance band exercise could increase postural control and body composition in sedentary women. Also, the results suggest that the training might lower sedentary women’s body fat by increasing muscle mass.   

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