Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare acute mechanical and metabolic effects of
2 sessions of resistance training equated by volume and total resting time but with
different set configuration: sets to failure (FS) vs. distribution of rest between
each repetition (NFS). 10 male judoists completed a session consisting of 3 sets to
failure of parallel back squat with 4 repetitions at maximum load, and a rest of 3 min
between the sets. At least 72 h later subjects developed the same volume, but total
resting time was distributed among individual repetitions. Before and after sessions
isometric force and mean propulsive velocity with load corresponding to maximum propulsive
power were assessed. Results showed that in respect to FS, NFS showed an 18.94% (±17.98)
higher average mean propulsive velocity during session (0.42±0.04 vs. 0.35±0.08 m.s − 1; p=0.009), lower blood lactate concentration after session (maximum average value
1.52±0.77 vs. 3.95±1.82; session effect: p=0.001) and higher mean propulsive velocity
with load corresponding to maximum propulsive power (mean propulsive velocity immediately
after session 0.64±0.09 vs. 0.59±0.12 m.s − 1; session effect: p=0.019). These data show that distribution of rest in sessions
equated for volume and total resting time determines differences in performance during
sessions and mechanical or metabolic acute effects.
Key words
strength training - fatigue - squat - rest
