Comparative study of the results of three training techniques on grip strength

Abstract

The Problem, This investigation sought to determine the effectiveness of the exer-grip as a grip strength developing device, and to determine the effects of three different training techniques using the exer-grip. The groups were defined as: Constant Maximum Contraction; Interval Maximum Contraction; Alternate Session-Constant and Interval. Scope and Method of study: The testing apparatus used was a Narragansett grip dynamometer with no width adjustment. The average score from three test scores was used for the pre and post grip strength test. The training device was a rubber exer-grip which is manufactured by the Voit Rubber Company. The subjects used for this research were enrolled in two volleyball classes during the third quarter at Stout State University. Fifty-four out of the seventy-eight men enrolled were randomly assigned and used for this study. The age range was from seventeen to twenty one years. All subjects used were non-varsity athletes during the training period. Five general hypotheses were statistically tested. The first and second stated that using the analysis of variance test there would be a significant difference on the pre-test and post-test scores at the .05 per cent level. The third stated that using the analysis of covariance there will be a significant difference at the .05 per cent level between the adjusted means on the pre and post-test. The fourth and fifth hypotheses that were tested used the "t? test of significant difference between two means. It was stated that there would be a difference at the .05 per cent level of confidence between two means of the pre and post-test. One general factor concerning the mean gain in grip strength of all fifty-four subjects was observed. No specific mean gain standards were pre determined for this study. Findings: All five hypotheses that were statistically tested yielded no significant difference. The mean gain in grip strength of all fifty-four subjects was 9.94 pounds.