Abstract
Specialized resistance training techniques (e.g., drop-set, rest-pause) are commonly
used by well-trained subjects for maximizing muscle hypertrophy. Most of these techniques
were designed to allow a greater training volume (i.e., total repetitions×load), due
to the supposition that it elicits greater muscle mass gains. However, many studies
that compared the traditional resistance training configuration with specialized techniques
seek to equalize the volume between groups, making it difficult to determine the inherent
hypertrophic potential of these advanced strategies, as well as, this equalization
restricts part of the practical extrapolation on these findings. In this scenario,
the objectives of this manuscript were 1) to present the nuance of the evidence that
deals with the effectiveness of these specialized resistance training techniques and
— primarily — to 2) propose possible ways to explore the hypertrophic potential of
such strategies with greater ecological validity without losing the methodological
rigor of controlling possible intervening variables; and thus, contributing to increasing
the applicability of the findings and improving the effectiveness of hypertrophy-oriented
resistance training programs.
Key words
muscle mass - strength training - resistance-trained subjects - resistance training
configurations
