AUTHOR=Kadota Masafumi , Nakamura Masatoshi , Yoshida Riku , Takeuchi Kosuke 

TITLE=Comparison of the effects of three different resistance training methods on muscle fatigue in healthy untrained men

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1497979

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2024.1497979

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=Traditional set (TS), paired-set (PS), and super-set (SS) are used as resistance training methods. However, the effects of these methods on muscle fatigue (muscle strength and training volume) are not clear. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of TS, PS, and SS on the muscle fatigue of the hamstrings and quadriceps. Thirteen healthy, untrained men performed three sets of leg curl and leg extension exercisesresistance training interventions. TS included three successive sets of the leg curl and leg extension exercises with a 60-second rest interval between sets and exercises. In the PS, leg curl exercises were performed alternatingly with the leg extension exercises with a 60-second rest interval between sets and exercises. In the SS, leg curl and leg extension exercises were performed alternatively with each set. During SS, a 60-second rest interval was set between sets but not between exercises. Muscle strength before and immediately after interventions, and training volume during the training, were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer machine. Time efficiency was calculated by dividing the total training volume by the time required for each intervention. Muscle strength of the hamstrings significantly decreased in TS (p = 0.04) but did not change in SS (p < 0.01) or PS (p = 0.43). The muscle strength of the hamstrings decreased in PS (p = 0.039) and SS (p = 0.001) but did not change in TS (p = 0.434). Muscle strength of the quadriceps significantly decreased in all interventions (p < 0.05). In all interventions, the training volume of the hamstrings significantly decreased in Set 2 (p < 0.05), and that of the quadriceps significantly decreased in Set 3 (p < 0.05). The total training volume in PS was significantly higher than TS (p < 0.01) and SS (p = 0.03). Time efficiency in SS was higher than TS (p < 0.01) and PS (p < 0.01). These results indicated that PS could be useful for individuals with sufficient time for resistance training because of greater training volume, while SS could be useful for those with limited time due to better time efficiency.