‍Background/Purpose 

To compare cardiovascular adaptations that result from strength training using traditional equipment (barbells, cable machines) to flywheel training on an Exerfly training device.   

Methods 

31 healthy young adults were randomly assigned to a traditional resistance training group (TRT), Exerfly flywheel training group (FRT), or a control group that maintained their normal activity levels. The two strength training groups performed strength training 3x/week for 10 weeks with a focus on exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bench press, and row. The TRT group performed these exercises with traditional barbells and cable machines, while the FRT group performed the exercises using the Exerfly Platform. Participants were tested for various cardiovascular measures before and after the training period.  

Results 

While both the TRT and FRT groups gained muscle strength the TRT group had negative changes in several cardiovascular measures, including baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability. In contrast, the group that trained on the Exerfly flywheel device had positive changes in resting heart rate, baroreflex sensitivity, and heart rate variability across the 10-weeks! 

Key Takeaways 

• 10 weeks of strength training on an Exerfly flywheel training device resulted in similar strength gains, but advantageous cardiovascular adaptations compared to traditional strength training in young, healthy adults.  

• While more research is needed to determine how and why the training methods had different cardiovascular responses, the results suggest flywheel training could be a particularly useful resistance training method when users are concerned about both neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations.