The concurrent validity of the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES) of perceived exertion for use with elastic bands was studied during isotonic resistance exercises. Twenty healthy, physically active subjects completed both familiarization and testing sessions. The criterion variables were myoelectric activity, recorded by electromyography, and heart rate, recorded by a heart rate monitor. The subjects performed 2 separate sets of 15 repetitions in each of the 2 testing sessions and for each of the exercises applied (i.e., frontal and lateral raises). One set was carried out with the separation between the hands gripping the elastic band allowing that 15 repetition maximum to be performed in the selected exercise, whereas the other set was carried out with the separation between hands at +50% of the previous grip. The perceived exertion rating for the active muscles and for the overall body, muscular activity, and heart rate were measured during the final repetition of each set. The results showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in myoelectric activity, heart rate, and OMNI-RES scores between the low- and high-intensity sets and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.72-0.76. So it can be concluded that the OMNI-RES can be used for monitoring the intensity of exercises when elastic bands are used. This would allow the training stimulus dosage to be precisely controlled in both the session in progress and between different sessions, and allowing to differentiate between different levels of intensity according to the physical aptitudes and special physiological needs of the subjects.

Electromyography (EMG) exercise evaluation is commonly used to measure the intensity of muscle contraction. Although researchers assume that biomechanically comparable resistance exercises with similar high EMG levels will produce similar strength gains over the long term, no studies have actually corroborated this hypothesis. This study evaluated EMG levels during 6 repetition maximum (6RM) bench press and push-up, and subsequently performed a 5-week training period where subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups (i.e., 6RM bench press group, 6RM elastic band push-up group, or control group) to evaluate muscle strength gains. Thirty university students with advanced resistance training experience participated in the 2-part study. During the training period, exercises were performed using the same loads and variables that were used during the EMG data collection. At baseline, EMG amplitude showed no significant difference between 6RM bench press and band push-up. Significant differences among the groups were found for percent change (Δ) between pretest and posttest for 6RM (p = 0.017) and for 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (p < 0.001). Six repetition maximum bench press group and 6RM elastic band push-up group improved their 1RM and 6RM (Δ ranging from 13.65 to 22.21) tests significantly with similar gains, whereas control group remains unchanged. Thus, when the EMG values are comparable and the same conditions are reproduced, the aforementioned exercises can provide similar muscle strength gains.