Effects of combined open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain training using pulley exercise machines on muscle strength and angiogenesis factors

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of combined open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain training using pulley exercise machines on muscle strength, anaerobic power, and blood levels of angiogenesis factors. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty male university students were equally divided between control and pulley training groups. The pulley-training group underwent 8 weeks of combined training. Open kinetic chain training consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of one repetition maximum; closed kinetic chain training consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions of resistance exercise using the subject’s own body weight. Isokinetic strength (trunk and knee), anaerobic power, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and follistatin were analyzed. [Results] After 8 weeks, flexor and extensor muscle strength significantly increased in the trunk and knee; average and peak power also increased significantly. Angiopoietin 1 increased 25% in the control group and 48% in the pulley training group; vascular endothelial growth factor and follistatin increased significantly in the pulley-training group after 8 weeks. [Conclusion] Eight weeks of combined training using pulley exercise machines effectively increased biochemical factors related to muscle growth, as well as muscle strength in the trunk and knees.