This study examined hormonal responses to multi-joint free weight exercise and single joint machine exercise. Six weight trained males, (M ± SD) age 26.7 ± 3.6 y; training experience 9.2 ± 1.8 y, performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of 1-RM with one minute rest periods between sets on either the squat (FW), or the three single joint exercises (leg curl, leg extension, back extension; MA) using a crossover design separated by one week. Blood samples were taken 15 minutes pre exercise and 5 minutes post exercise, and testing was done at the same time of day each week to minimize the influence of diurnal variation. Cortisol, testosterone and growth hormone were analyzed using ELISA. The machine group completed significantly more external work than the free weight group (30776 ± 2151.7 vs. 19728 ± 2398.8 J). Results indicate that both modalities show similar hormonal responses for testosterone and growth hormone, but less work is needed to stimulate similar hormonal response when using free weight exercise. Significantly greater lactate response in the free weight session indicate different metabolic demands for the different resistance exercise modalities. The results suggest that the hormonal response is dependant on exercise modality. 1Significant difference within sesssion (p < .05) 2Significant change FW > MA (p < .05)Table
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Schilling et al. (2001) studied this question.