The effects of varying inertial loadings on power variables in the flywheel romanian deadlift exercise

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of four different inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg· m²) on concentric (CON) power, eccentric (ECC) power, and ECC overload in the flywheel Romanian deadlift (RDL). Fourteen recreationally trained males (27.9 ± 6.4 years, 90 ± 10.7 kg, 180.7 ± 5.5 cm) volunteered for the study. They had a minimum of two years of resistance training experience, although none had experience in flywheel inertia training (FIT). All participants performed the flywheel RDL on a flywheel device (kBox 3, Exxentric, AB TM, Bromma, Sweden). Each set was performed using different inertial loads, those being 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m². For CON, ECC power, and ECC overload, there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between inertial loadings. In conclusion, results highlight that lower inertial load leads to higher peak CON and ECC power values, precisely 0.025 kg· m². Regarding ECC overload, medium to higher loads (0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m²) will lead to higher values.

Keywords: Eccentric overload; Inertia load; Iso-inertial device; Power output.