Force Profile Characteristics of Gravitational and Pneumatic Resistances in Pull and Push Exercises.

INTRODUCTION

Strength training, essential for health and performance, often uses free weights for greater stabilization demands and pulleys for easier load adjustment and progression.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in force application using gravitational and pneumatic resistances. Twenty experienced subjects participated in the study (age: 21.9 ± 3.8 years; body mass: 76.3 ± 9.4 kg; height: 177.4 ± 7.5 cm), performing four exercises with each type of resistance: bench press, lat pulldown, chest fly, and single-arm row. The participants performed 8 repetitions per exercise. Peak and mean force were measured with a 100 Hz load cell (SUIFF S2 Pro) during the concentric phase of the lifts. Differences between resistance types were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Peak force was higher with gravitational resistance across all exercises ( < 0.001; d = 2.1-4.7). Average force with gravitational resistance was also higher in the bench press and lat pulldown ( < 0.05; d = 0.7-1.4), but not in the chest fly or single-arm row.

CONCLUSIONS

Gravitational resistance may better enhance peak strength, while pneumatic resistance supports consistent force and neuromuscular control. These results allow us to select the resistance type based on specific mechanical characteristics.