| The
purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three different
weight training protocols, that varied in the way training volume
was measured, on acute muscular fatigue. Ten resistance-trained males
performed all three protocols which involved dynamic constant resistance
exercise of the elbow flexors. Protocol A provided a standard for
the time the muscle group was under tension (TUT) and volume load
(VL), expressed as the product of the total number of repetitions
and the load that was lifted. Protocol B involved 40% of the TUT but
the same VL compared to protocol A; protocol C was equated with protocol
A for TUT but only involved 50% of the VL. Fatigue was assessed by
changes in maximum voluntary isometric force and integrated electromyography
(iEMG) between the pre- and post-training protocols. The results of
the study showed that, when equated for VL, greater TUT produced greater
overall muscular fatigue (p < 0.001) as reflected by the reduction
in the force generating capability of the muscle. When the protocols
were equated for TUT, greater VL (p < 0.01) resulted in greater overall
muscular fatigue. All three protocols resulted in significant decreases
in iEMG (p < 0.05) but they were not significantly different from
each other. It was concluded that, because of the importance of training
volume to neuromuscular adaptation, the training volume needs to be
clearly described when designing resistance training programs.
KEY
WORDS: Resistance training, maximal voluntary contraction, fatigue,
electromyography.
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