Effect of resistance training volume on strength and muscle thickness

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1996

Publication Title

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

Keywords

Resistance training, variable resistance exercise training, volume, knee extension, knee flexion, isometric torque, muscle thickness, ultrasound

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different volumes of high-intensity resistance training on isometric torque and muscle thickness. Training was conducted three times per week using one set (low volume, EX-1, N = 18) or three sets (high volume, EX-3, N= 20) of dynamic variable resistance exercise. Ten subjects acted as nontraining controls (CONT). Bilateral knee extension (KEXT) and flexion(KFLEX) exercise was performed to fatigue within 8-12 repetitions for 14 wk. Maximal isometric KEXT and KFLEX torque was tested at 6°, 24°, 42°, 60°, 78°, 96°, and 108° of KFLEX using a MedX (Ocala, FL) KEXT/KFLEX ergometer. The anterior (ANT), lateral (LAT), and posterior(POST) right thigh, the medialis muscle (MED), and the lateralis muscle(LATER) were assessed for thickness by B-mode ultrasound (ULTRA). Both training groups improved torque output at most angles, but there was no difference between EX-1 and EX-3 (P ≥ 0.05). ULTRA detected increases in muscle thickness for EX-1 at 60% LAT and 40% and 60% POST. EX-3 increased muscle thickness at the MED, and 40% and 60% POST. In conclusion, one set of high-intensity resistance training was as effective as three sets for increasing KEXT and KFLEX isometric torque and muscle thickness in previously untrained adults.

Comments

©1996The American College of Sports Medicine

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