Key Takeaway
Isoinertial flywheel training and traditional resistance training produce comparable improvements in maximal strength and muscle power in healthy individuals, with neither modality showing clear superiority.
Summary
This systematic review and meta-analysis by Hu et al. (2024) directly compared the effects of isoinertial flywheel training versus traditional resistance training on maximal strength and muscle power in healthy populations. The review included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials where both training modalities were performed over comparable durations and volumes. The meta-analytic results indicated that flywheel training and traditional weight training produced similar improvements in both maximal strength (e.g., 1RM) and power output measures. Neither modality demonstrated a statistically significant advantage over the other across the pooled studies. This finding is notable because flywheel devices are considerably more portable and space-efficient than barbell and machine setups, meaning equivalent strength and power gains can be achieved with far less equipment. The results suggest that flywheel training is a viable substitute for traditional resistance training, particularly in settings where access to conventional gym equipment is limited, such as during travel, in-season team training, or clinical rehabilitation.