Physiological responses of three strength training methods in trained individuals

Abstract

Strength training is an integral part of training programs for aesthetics and sports performance. Although experiments compare the responses of some methods, there is a lack of studies that analyze the time of execution, the recovery and perceptions of pain and exertion. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the metabolic and physiological responses of traditional, drop set and blood flow restriction training. The sample consisted of 16 trained men aged 32 ± 10,5 and minimum of 3 years of continuous and regular practice of ST. Data were collected in 4 days, being the first one assigned to maximum load testing and the following 3 days we analyzed randomly the drop set, blood flow restriction and traditional training methods. Blood lactate was analyzed after the training session. Pre and post intervention arm circumference, heart rate and total time, perceived pain and exertion rating scales, repetition and total volumes. Results showed no significant difference on repetitions number between blood flow restriction and drop set methods but total volume and time were significantly higher on drop set. The highest blood lactate value was found on drop set despite the other methods also show high values. Blood flow restriction and drop set showed significant difference regarding to traditional method on post exercise subjective exertion rating scale, a fact that relates with the highest total volume, mostly on drop set.