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The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men

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Date Issued:
2015
Abstract/Description:
The magnitude of improvements in muscular strength and size are influenced by the volume and intensity of a resistance training program. While it is clearly advantageous for resistance-trained individuals to utilize programming specific to these goals, it not clear which is more important. Therefore the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of focusing on training volume versus intensity on changes in muscle size and strength. Changes in muscular strength and size were examined in 29 resistance-trained men following 8 weeks of resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high volume (VOL, n = 14, 4 x 10 (-) 12RM, 1min rest) or high intensity (INT, n = 15, 4 x 3 (-) 5RM, 3min rest) resistance training program. Lean body mass, lean arm and leg mass, were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, while ultrasound images (VL-vastus lateralis, RF-rectus femoris, PM-pectoralis major, and TB-triceps brachii) were used to assess changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness (MT). Strength was measured by one repetition-maximum (1RM) squat (SQ) and bench press (BP). Changes in muscular (RF (&) VL) activation in response to increases in submaximal SQ intensity (40-, 60-, 80-, (&) 100%-1RM) were assessed via surface electromyography. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post, 30min post, and 60min post-exercise at week 3 (WK3) and week 10 (WK10), to assess plasma/serum testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), cortisol (CORT), and insulin. Area under the curve analysis revealed a greater (p (<) 0.05) increase for VOL (WK3: GH (&) CORT; WK10: CORT) compared to INT. Compared to WK3, WK10 showed reduced responses for VOL (GH and CORT) and INT (IGF1). Significant group differences were observed for changes in lean arm mass (INT: 5.2 (&)#177; 2.9%, VOL: 2.2 (&)#177; 5.6%) and BP 1RM (INT: 14.8 (&)#177; 9.7%, VOL: 6.9 (&)#177; 9.0%). Over the course of 8 weeks, our data indicate that trained men would benefit more when focusing on training intensity, rather than volume, for strength and size improvements.
Title: The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-trained men.
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Name(s): Mangine, Gerald, Author
Hoffman, Jay, Committee Chair
Fukuda, David, Committee Member
Stout, Jeffrey, Committee Member
Ratamess, Nicholas, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The magnitude of improvements in muscular strength and size are influenced by the volume and intensity of a resistance training program. While it is clearly advantageous for resistance-trained individuals to utilize programming specific to these goals, it not clear which is more important. Therefore the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of focusing on training volume versus intensity on changes in muscle size and strength. Changes in muscular strength and size were examined in 29 resistance-trained men following 8 weeks of resistance training. Participants were randomly assigned to either a high volume (VOL, n = 14, 4 x 10 (-) 12RM, 1min rest) or high intensity (INT, n = 15, 4 x 3 (-) 5RM, 3min rest) resistance training program. Lean body mass, lean arm and leg mass, were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, while ultrasound images (VL-vastus lateralis, RF-rectus femoris, PM-pectoralis major, and TB-triceps brachii) were used to assess changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness (MT). Strength was measured by one repetition-maximum (1RM) squat (SQ) and bench press (BP). Changes in muscular (RF (&) VL) activation in response to increases in submaximal SQ intensity (40-, 60-, 80-, (&) 100%-1RM) were assessed via surface electromyography. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately post, 30min post, and 60min post-exercise at week 3 (WK3) and week 10 (WK10), to assess plasma/serum testosterone, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), cortisol (CORT), and insulin. Area under the curve analysis revealed a greater (p (<) 0.05) increase for VOL (WK3: GH (&) CORT; WK10: CORT) compared to INT. Compared to WK3, WK10 showed reduced responses for VOL (GH and CORT) and INT (IGF1). Significant group differences were observed for changes in lean arm mass (INT: 5.2 (&)#177; 2.9%, VOL: 2.2 (&)#177; 5.6%) and BP 1RM (INT: 14.8 (&)#177; 9.7%, VOL: 6.9 (&)#177; 9.0%). Over the course of 8 weeks, our data indicate that trained men would benefit more when focusing on training intensity, rather than volume, for strength and size improvements.
Identifier: CFE0005658 (IID), ucf:50179 (fedora)
Note(s): 2015-05-01
Ph.D.
Education and Human Performance, Dean's Office EDUC
Doctoral
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Hypertrophy -- Testosterone -- Growth Hormone -- IGF-1 -- Muscle Activation
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005658
Restrictions on Access: campus 2020-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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