Int J Sports Med 2018; 39(08): 613-618
DOI: 10.1055/a-0634-6454
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of Modified Pyramid System on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Older Women

Leandro dos Santos
1   Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
,
Alex S. Ribeiro
2   Center for Research in Health Sciences. University of Northern Paraná, Londrina, Brazil
,
Edilaine F. Cavalcante
1   Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
,
Hellen C. Nabuco
1   Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
,
Melissa Antunes
1   Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
,
Brad J. Schoenfeld
3   Exercise Science Department, CUNY Lehman College, Bronx, New York
,
Edilson S. Cyrino
1   Study and Research Group in Metabolism, Nutrition, and Exercise, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 04 May 2018

Publication Date:
26 June 2018 (online)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a pyramid system performed with two repetition zones on muscular strength and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in older women. Thirty-nine physically independent older women (67.8±5.4 years) were randomly assigned into one of two of groups that performed an 8-week resistance training program in an ascending pyramid fashion. Both groups performed 3 sets: a narrow repetition zone (NPR, n=20) with 12/10/8 repetitions, and a wide repetition zone (WPR, n=19) with 15/10/5 repetitions. The program consisted of 8 whole-body exercises, performed 3 times a week. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure SMM, and muscular strength was evaluated by one-repetition maximum (1RM). Both groups increased (P<0.05) SMM (NPR=+ 4.7%, effect size=+ 0.34; WPR=+ 8.4%, effect size=+ 0.77), and total strength (NPR=+ 11.3%, effect size=+ 0.80; WPR=+ 13.8%, effect size=0.84), without statistical differences between them. Results suggest that both zones of repetitions in a pyramid system are effective strategies to improve muscular strength and muscle growth in older women.

 
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