College of Charleston professors Bill Barfield and Tom Carroll, along with alumni Elie and Dan Boland, have published the first study comparing the power plate exercise device to free weight exercises. The
article was published in the current issue of the International Journal of Exercise Science.

Power Plate equipment uses the principles of micro acceleration training to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration. The study by College of Charleston professors and alumni, entitled “Comparison of the Power Plate and Free Weight Exercises on Upper Body Muscle Endurance in Young Athletes,” tested men and women between the ages of 20-29, some of whom used the power plate, while others used free weights. Each person worked out three times a week for six weeks with the number of push-ups completed at one time as the test.

They found that subjects in both groups saw increases in upper-body endurance with statistically significant differences between groups. Based on the findings, they feel the power plate is a useful tool that enhances upper-body muscle endurance.

For more information, contact Bill Barfield at 843.953.6746 or Tom Carroll at 843.953.4275.