Effect of weight training and motor skills on muscle strength: A factorial experimental design.

Problem Statement and Purpose. Previous studies have discussed various methods of weight training to increase muscle strength. However, very limited studies involve motor skills to obtain better results. This study aims to analyze group differences in weight training by considering the level of motor skills on the results of leg muscle strength. The group in weight training consisted of the circuit and conventional systems, while motor skills were classified into high and low. Methods. This study used a two-way factorial experimental design involving 36 young men aged 20.03 ± 0.51 years. Weight training was given ± 6 weeks with the frequency of 3 times per week. The intensity and training load addition was 75% of 10 RM. Weight training with a circuit system consisted of 9 stations, 10 repetitions, 3 sets (1 set equals 9 completed stations). The rest between stations was 20 seconds, and between sets was 2 minutes. In conventional weight training, each exercise was performed in 1 place, 10 repetitions, and 3 sets in the same place. The rest between sets was 2 minutes. Then it moved to the next exercise in the same way. Data on motor skills and leg muscle strength were obtained from the Barrow motor ability and leg dynamometer tests. Then, it was analyzed using a two-way factorial ANOVA test and Tukey's further test. Results. These findings indicated that the results of leg muscle strength given weight training with a circuit system were better than the conventional one (P < 0.05), with an average of 74.56 > 71.72. The research also found an interaction between weight training and motor skills on leg muscle strength (P < 0.05). Weight training with a circuit system was better than conventional for high motor skills (P < 0.05), with an average of 78.22 > 70.44. Weight training with circuit and conventional systems did not differ significantly for low motor skills (P > 0.05), with an average of 70.89 < 73.00. Conclusions. High motor skills are more suitable for weight training with a circuit system, while low motor skills can be given both forms of training. However, the results will be better if given conventionally. Therefore, instructors, practitioners, and athletes must consider motor skills in weight training to produce optimal leg muscle strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]