Effects of Synergist vs. NonSynergist Split Resistance Training Routines on Acute Neuromuscular Performance in Resistance-Trained Men.

Castanheira, RPM, Ferreira-Junior, JB, Celes, RS, Rocha-Junior, VA, Cadore, EL, Izquierdo, M, and Bottaro, M. Effects of synergist vs. nonsynergist split resistance training routines on acute neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3482-3488, 2017-The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of synergist (SN) vs. nonsynergist (NS) split resistance training routines on the acute neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors in resistance-trained men. Fifteen resistance-trained men (age: 23.2 ± 4.0 years, height: 173.0 ± 0.08 cm, and body mass: 78.38 ± 9.31 kg) randomly performed 3 training routines separated by an interval of 7 days: (a) pull-pull exercises (SN), which included 6 sets of 10 repetition maximum (RM) of a seated row exercise followed by 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise; (b) push-pull exercises (NS), which included 6 sets of 10RM of the bench press exercise followed by 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise; and (c) Control, which included 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise. Elbow flexors peak torque, total work, and the amplitude of electromyography signal (EMG root mean square) were measured during the elbow flexor isokinetic exercise. Peak torque was 10.2 and 3.9% higher during Control condition when compared with the SN and NS conditions, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Peak torque was also 6.0% greater in the NS condition than the SN condition (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, total work was 5.1% greater in the NS condition than the SN condition. Additionally, EMG findings did not differ among conditions (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a push and pull NS split routine is recommended to maximize elbow flexor training performance (i.e., lower acute loading effect) in trained subjects.

Comparison of upper body strength gains between men and women after 10 weeks of resistance training.

Resistance training (RT) offers benefits to both men and women. However, the studies about the differences between men and women in response to an RT program are not conclusive and few data are available about upper body strength response. The aim of this study was to compare elbow flexor strength gains in men and women after 10 weeks of RT. Forty-four college-aged men (22.63 ± 2.34 years) and forty-seven college-aged women (21.62 ± 2.96 years) participated in the study. The RT program was performed two days a week for 10 weeks. Before and after the training period, peak torque (PT) of the elbow flexors was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. PT values were higher in men in comparison to women in pre- and post-tests (p < 0.01). Both males and females significantly increased elbow flexor strength (p < 0.05); however, strength changes did not differ between genders after 10 weeks of RT program (11.61 and 11.76% for men and women, respectively; p > 0.05). Effect sizes were 0.57 and 0.56 for men and women, respectively. In conclusion, the present study suggests that men and women have a similar upper body strength response to RT.