Download PDF
Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2791-5145
Training & Testing

Don’t Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume’s Transient Effects in Trained Men

Authors

  • Mike Alvarez

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Alysson Enes 

    2   Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28122)

  • Tanuj Wadhi 

    3   Sports Performance Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (Ringgold ID: RIN1410)

  • Christopher Barakat Barakat

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Jacob Rauch

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Andrew Barsuhn

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Daniel Aube

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Nicholas Miller

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Nicholas Chessman

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Anton Bou-Sliman

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • JC Andersen

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Tácito P. Souza-Junior

    4   Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training Research Group (GPMENUTF), Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28122)

  • Carlos Ugrinowitsch 

    5   Laboratory of Adaptations to Strength Training, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28133)

  • Eduardo Oliveira De Souza

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)
Further Information
Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different session volumes on perceptual, performance, and morphological changes and their transient responses following the experimental sessions. Thirteen trained men (training experience: 5.1±1.3 y; 10 repetition-maximum squat: 131±23 kg) completed three counterbalanced experimental sessions consisting of 7, 14, or 21 total sets per session targeting the lower body. A 10 repetition-maximum test was used as a performance marker. Anterior thigh muscle thickness and echo-intensity were assessed at baseline, immediately after the session, 24, 48, and 72 hours after experimental sessions. Perceived recovery status was assessed at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours after experimental sessions. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded post-session only. The 14- and 21-SETS conditions resulted in greater volume load (p<0.05). Perceived recovery status and rating of perceived exertion were significantly affected by training volume (p<0.05), particularly in the 21-SETS condition, which induced higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery status than the other conditions. No conditions or condition-by-time effects were observed for muscle thickness, echo-intensity, or 10 repetition-maximum–volume load (p>0.05). Despite distinct perceptual and volume load differences, no sustained muscle swelling or evidence of edema was observed, as muscle thickness and echo-intensity measurements returned to baseline within 24 hours post-session across all conditions.

Keywords

Strength training - volume load - ultrasound - edema - time course


Publication History

Received: 09 October 2025

Accepted after revision: 16 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
21 January 2026

Article published online:
19 February 2026

© 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany