Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review

Abstract

Background A scoping review of scientific literature on the effects of kettlebell training. There are no authoritative guidelines or recommendations for using kettlebells within a primary care setting. Our review objectives were to identify the extent, range and nature of the available evidence, to report on the types of evidence currently available to inform clinical practice, to synthesise key concepts, and identify gaps in the research knowledge base. Methods Following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, we conducted a search of 10 electronic databases from inception to 1 February 2019. There were no exclusions in searching for publications. A single reviewer screened the literature and abstracted data from relevant publications. Articles were grouped and charted by concepts and themes relevant to primary care, and narratively synthesised. Effect sizes from longitudinal studies were identified or calculated, and randomised controlled trials assessed for methodological quality. Results Eight hundred and twenty-nine records were identified to 1 February 2019. Four hundred and ninety-six were screened and 170 assessed for eligibility. Ninety-nine publications met the inclusion criteria. Effect sizes were typically trivial to small. One trial used a pragmatic hardstyle training program among healthy college-age participants. Two trials reported the effects of kettlebell training in clinical conditions. Thirty-three studies explicitly used ‘hardstyle’ techniques and 4 investigated kettlebell sport. Also included were 6 reviews, 22 clinical/expert opinions and 3 case reports of injury. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies using a modified Downs & Black checklist. Conclusions A small number of longitudinal studies, which are largely underpowered and of low methodological quality, provide the evidence-informed therapist with little guidance to inform the therapeutic prescription of kettlebells within primary care. Confidence in reported effects is low to very low. The strength of recommendation for kettlebell training improving measures of physical function is weak, based on the current body of literature. Further research on reported effects is warranted, with inclusion of clinical populations and investigations of musculoskeletal conditions common to primary care. There is a need for an externally valid, standardised approach to the training and testing of kettlebell interventions, which better informs the therapeutic use of kettlebells in primary care.

Force profile of the two-handed hardstyle kettlebell swing in novice older adults: an exploratory profile

“…A properly designed resistance training program for older adults, includes multi-joint exercises such as the kettlebell swing and kettlebell deadlift, is individualised, periodised, progressive, and includes appropriate technique instruction (Fragala et al 2019). A review (Meigh et al 2019) was unable to identify descriptive data of kettlebell exercises from older adults for any of these variables. Results of the present study allow healthcare providers to make a more informed decision about whether, and how to use the kettlebell swing as a therapeutic exercise for older adults.…”

“…CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license made available under a (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted May 17, 2021. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.17.444430 doi: bioRxiv preprint A recent review (Meigh et al 2019) identified no standards or guidelines to inform healthcare providers of how to use kettlebells safely and confidently with older adults. Additionally, current resistance training guidelines for older adults (Borde et al 2015;Fragala et al 2019;Lopez et al 2017) do not translate to hardstyle kettlebell practices.…”

“…Movement patterns observed in a Sit-To-Stand, floor transfer, and reaching overhead, are also seen in kettlebell training; the most widely recognised type being the ‘hardstyle’ swing introduced by Pavel Tsatsouline (2006). A hardstyle swing is believed to improve lower limb power and by association, the ability to apply GRF, therefore, the kettlebell swing might positively influence lower limb function in older adults, reduce risk of falls, and be an ideal tool to promote healthy aging (Meigh et al 2019).…”

“…A recent review (Meigh et al 2019) identified no standards or guidelines to inform healthcare providers of how to use kettlebells safely and confidently with older adults. Additionally, current resistance training guidelines for older adults (Borde et al 2015; Fragala et al 2019; Lopez et al 2017) do not translate to hardstyle kettlebell practices.…”

Application of the Force Plate and Accelerometer in Kettlebell Sports When Researching the «jerk» Exercise Technique

“…Популярность гиревого спорта особенно возросла в минувшем десятилетии. Это отражается в результатах научных исследований как в нашей стране [1,2], так и во всем мире [3,4] Цель исследования: определение степени сопряженности показателей вертикальной реакции опоры (R(t)_верт) и вертикальной составляющей ускорения туловища (а(t)_верт) во время выполнения упражнения гиревого спорта «толчок». Для того чтобы определить амплитудные значения силы F(t), действующей на туловище в вертикальном направлении в характерных точках a, b, c, …, i, необходимо ускорение в этих точках умножить на массу «М» системы «спортсмен -гиря»: F(t) = а(t)_верт *M. В таблицу, приведенную ниже, включены известные данные ускорения а(t)_верт и R(t)_верт из рис.…”