Resultant muscle torque and electromyographic activity during high intensity elastic resistance and free weight exercises SAIED JALAL ABOODARDA1, MOHAMAD SHARIFF A. HAMID, AHMAD MUNIR CHE MUHAMED, FATIMAH IBRAHIM, & MARTIN THOMPSON Introduction Resistance training employing free weights or specially designed machines with pulley weights or hydraulics is a widely practised form of physical activity for stimulating skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength (Baechle & Earle, 2000; Fleck & Kraemer, 2004). This equipment is both cumbersome and costly. Among various strength training modalities, Elastic Resistance (ER) is known as a safe and affordable mode of exercise which can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse populations (Page & Ellenbecker, 2003). Numerous research studies have recommended ER for regeneration of muscle strength in rehabilitation settings (Hostler et al., 2001; Kluemper, Uhl, & Hazelrigg, 2006; Schulthies, Ricard, Alexander, & Myrer, 1998). However, tensile force of elastic material offers an ascending external resistance curve which has been acknowledged by sport scientists (Anderson, Sforzo, & Sigg, 2008; Wallace, Winchester, & McGuigan, 2006). The benefits of this ascending elastic force can be substantiated in exercises such as biceps curl and shoulder abduction. In this category of exercises, the torque generating capacity of prime movers is greater at the beginning of the concentric phase (Harman, 2000). However when using a conventional constant external resistance (e.g. free weights), muscles accelerate