Correlation between lower limb and trunk muscle endurance with drop vertical jump in the special military forces.

OBJECTIVE: Police officers, particularly the ones who are trained to be on "special forces", perform a wide range of hazardous and physically demanding activities when aiming to protect and serve. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between lower limb and trunk muscle endurance with drop vertical jump (DVJ) height in a special military police force. METHODS: One hundred and three male military men (age: 36 ± 5.0 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m; weight: 81.8 ± 9.7 kg) volunteered to take part in this study. SIX TESTS WERE PERFORMED: DVJ, McGill core battery (trunk flexion, trunk extension, and side bridge test-right and left), and single-leg squat repetitions. Correlations were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The level of significance for all analyses was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Single-leg squat repetitions were positively associated with DVJ height, contact time and flight time (p = 0.00093∗∗, p = 0.00085∗∗, and p = 0.00098∗∗ respectively). No correlation was observed between trunk muscle endurance and DVJ. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it was concluded that greater endurance of the lower limb muscles, as demonstrated by the single leg squat, was associated with better performance in a DVJ. Individuals should consider incorporating single leg squats into their fitness program to develop muscular endurance and possibly perform better in the DVJ.

Postural control in football players with vision impairment: Effect of sports adaptation or visual input restriction?

Abstract Aim: To assess the postural control performance of football 5-a-side (FFS) players, comparing them with sighted players. Methods: Eight FFS players and 7 sighted futsal players were included. Postural control tests included feet together stance (FTS) and single-leg stance (SLS) tasks, performed on rigid and foam surfaces. Sighted players performed the tests with open (EO) and closed (EC) eyes. Area of displacement (Area) and average velocity (Vavg) were calculated from the center of pressure time-series coordinates. Results: On both surfaces conditions, a significant difference between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EO players was observed during FTS (higher Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.04) and SLS (higher Area and Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.01). No differences between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EC players were found. Differences between sighted EO vs. sighted EC were observed during FTS on the foam surface, and in SLS on both surface conditions (p < 0.03). Conclusion: FFS players' postural control performance is similar to sighted players with EC but worse than sighted players with EO, suggesting their postural control performance can be simply explained in terms of visual restriction.

Efeito agudo de diferentes períodos de foam rolling sobre o salto vertical contramovimento / Influence of the physical activity level on the quality of life and humor states of university professors

Vários métodos de aquecimento têm sido empregados no campo do treinamento esportivo . O foam rolling (FR) é uma das técnicas mais populares. No entanto, permanece o esclarecimento so bre o s períodos ótimos de FR para melhorar ou manter o desempenho. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi explorar o efeito agudo de diferentes períodos do FR no desempenho do salto vertical contramov iment o (SV). Doze indivíduos recreacionalmente ativos (23,92 ± 4,08 anos, 7 0 ± 1 2 k g, 1 71 ± 8 cm ) fo ram voluntários para o estudo. Todos os participantes completaram todos os protocolos ex perim en tais co m entrada randomizada. Os participantes realizaram seis visitas separadas por 48 horas. A primeira sessão incluiu a coleta de dados antropométricos, familiarização com o FR e a técnica do SV. Em seguida, cin co protocolos experimentais foram executados em ordem aleatória: Protocolo controle (PC) - salto v ertical sem FR; P30 ­ uma série de 30 segundos de FR antes do salto vertical; P60 - duas séries de 30 segun do s de FR; P90: três séries de 30 segundos de FR; P120 ­ quatro séries de 30 segundos de FR. O FR foi implementado para quadríceps, isquiotibiais, glúteo e gastrocnêmio. Diferenças significativas no desempenho do salto vertical (p <0,012) foram observadas no P30 (47,4 ± 11,7 cm), P60 (48,9 ± 11,9 cm), P90 (48,5 ± 12,1cm), P120 (48,6 ± 11,3 cm) em relação à PC (46,8 ± 11,3 cm). Além disso , P 60, P9 0, P120 apresentaram maior desempenho de salto vertical em relação ao p rotocolo P3 0. Po rtanto , o s praticantes e treinadores devem considerar a utilização de 60-120 segundos de FR durante o aquecimento, com o objetivo de melhorar o desempenho do SV...(AU)

Several warm-up methods have been employed in the field of athletic training. Th e foam rolling (FR) is one of the most popular techniques; however, there is still a lack o f ev idence abo ut t he optimal FR periods to enhance strength performance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was t o explore the acute effect of different periods of the FR on vertical countermovement jump. Twelve recreationally active individuals (23.92 ± 4.08 years, 70 ± 12 kg, 171 ± 8cm) volunteered for t he st udy . Treatment conditions were participants using a random assignment. Participan ts p erform ed six v isit s separated by 48 hours. The first session included the collection of anthropometric data and familiarizatio n with a foam roller and the vertical countermovement jump technique. Then, five experimental p rotocols were employed in a randomized order: control protocol (CP) - the vertical countermovement without FR; P30 - one set of 30 seconds of FR before the vertical jump; P60 - two sets of 30 seconds of FR; P90: three sets of 30 seconds of FR; P120 - four sets of 30 seconds of FR. The FR was implemented for quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, and gastrocnemius. Significant differences in vertical countermovement jump performance (p < 0.012) were observed under the P30 (47.4 ± 11.7 cm), P60 (48.9 ± 11.9 cm), P90 (48.5 ± 12.1), P120 (48.6 ± 11.3 cm) compared to CP (46.8 ± 11.3 cm). In addit io n, P60 , P 90 , P 12 0 sh o wed greater vertical jump performance compared to the P30 protocol. Therefore, t he p ractition ers sh o uld consider utilizing 60-120 seconds of FR during the warm-up with the goal of acutely improving the vertical countermovement jump performance...(AU)

Acute Hormone Responses Subsequent to Agonist-Antagonist Paired Set vs. Traditional Straight Set Resistance Training.

Miranda, H, de Souza, JAAA, Scudese, E, Paz, GA, Salerno, VP, Vigário, PdS, and Willardson, JM. Acute hormone responses subsequent to agonist-antagonist paired set vs. traditional straight set resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1591-1599, 2020-The purpose of this study was to compare acute hormone responses and rating of perceived exertion (OMNI-Res) subsequent to the agonist-antagonist paired set (PS) vs. the traditional straight set (TS) resistance training method. Twelve recreationally trained men (25.7 ± 4.7 years, 173 ± 6.3 cm and 71.5 ± 6.6 kg) participated in the current study. After 10 repetition maximum (RM) load determination, each subject performed the following 2 experimental sessions in random order: TS session-3 sets of 10 repetitions at 85% of 10RM for the machine seated row and barbell bench press with 2-minute rest intervals between sets; and PS-3 sets of 10 repetitions with 85% of 10RM alternating machine seated row and barbell bench press for the total of 6 PSs with 2-minute rest intervals between sets. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), cortisol, TT/cortisol ratio, growth hormone (GH), and blood lactate concentrations were measured before workout and immediately after workout and 15 and 30 minutes after workout. The OMNI-RES was recorded at the end of each set for both exercises within each session. Under the TS session, TT significantly increased immediately post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. For the PS session, TT significantly decreased at 30-minute post-workout vs. the immediate post-workout time point, whereas, FT significantly increased immediately post-workout and 15-minute post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. For the TS session, GH significantly increased immediately post-workout, and at the 15- and 30-minute post-workout time points vs. the pre-workout time point, respectively. For the PS session, GH was significantly increased immediately post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. Blood lactate significantly increased at all post-workout time points vs. the pre-workout time point under both sessions. The cortisol and TT/cortisol ratio showed no differences between sessions. In conclusion, from an acute standpoint, the TS approach showed a tendency to cause greater disruption in hormone levels, despite the lack of significant differences vs. the PS approach at all time points. However, both strategies may promote similar acute hormone responses.

Neuromuscular responses for resistance training sessions adopting traditional, superset, paired set and circuit methods.

BACKGROUND: A challenging aspect of research in sports science is designing and conducting studies that simulate actual workout scenarios, especially with application to resistance training (RT). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of RT sessions performed in differing workout formats on myoelectric activity, strength performance, and metabolic markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, blood lactate) over 24, 48 and 72 hours post-workout. METHODS: Twenty-two trained men (25.2±4.1 years, 182.1±12.3 cm and 91.2±5.9 kg) performed the following four training protocols with 10-repetition maximum loads in random order: 1) traditional set (TS): three sets were performed in succession for the barbell bench press (BP), lat pulldown (LPD), 45° incline bench press (BP45), seated close-grip row (SCR), triceps extension (TE) and biceps curl (BC) on a pulley; 2) paired set (PS): three paired sets were performed as follows: BP-LPD, BP45-SCR, and TC-B; 3) super-set (SS): similar to the PS protocol, but without rest between paired exercises; 4) circuit training (CT): one set of each exercise was performed sequentially three times. RESULTS: The results showed greater total volume under the SS (8063.2±2270.5 kg) protocol versus the TS (7356.8±2279.7 kg). Total work (repetitions) was also significantly greater for the SS and CT protocols versus the TS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the practitioners should consider utilizing the SS method during time-constrained periods with the goal to achieve greater training volume in time-efficient manner versus the TS, PS and CT methods.

Postexercise Hypotension and Heart Rate Variability Responses Subsequent to Traditional, Paired Set, and Superset Resistance Training Methods.

Paz, GA, Iglesias-Soler, E, Willardson, JM, Maia, MdF, and Miranda, H. Postexercise hypotension and heart rate variability responses subsequent to traditional, paired set, and superset resistance training methods. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2433-2442, 2019-The purpose of this study was to compare training volume, postexercise hypotension (PEH), and heart rate variability (HRV) responses to different strength training methods. Thirteen trained men volunteered for this study. Three training methods were completed in a randomized design, which included: Traditional Set (TS)-3 successive sets for the lying bench press (LBP), lat pulldown (LPD), incline 45° bench press (BP45), seated close-grip row (SCR), triceps extension (TE), and biceps curl (BC), with a 90-second rest interval between sets and exercises; Paired Set (PS)-3 paired sets for the LBP-LPD, BP45-SCR, and TE-BC, with a 90-second rest interval between sets and exercises; and superset (SS)-3 supersets for the LBP-LPD, BP45-SCR, and TE-BC. During the SS session, no rest was permitted between PSs, followed by 180 seconds of rest after each SS. Ten repetition-maximum (RM) loads were adopted for all exercises. Blood pressure (BP) and HRV were measured at baseline, immediately aftersession, and at 10-minute intervals until 60 minutes after session. Significantly greater training volume was noted under the SS method (8,608.6 ± 2,062.2 kg) vs. the TS method (7,527.5 ± 2,365.1 kg), respectively. Significantly greater training volume was also observed under the PS method (8,262.3 ± 2,491.2 kg) vs. the TS method (p ≤ 0.05). No main effects for HRV and PEH were noted between protocols (p > 0.05). However, similar PEH response intraprotocols were observed for the TS, PS, and SS methods (p ≤ 0.05). Considering the duration of the PEH intraprotocol, large effect sizes were noted for the SS and PS methods vs. the TS method in diastolic and mean BP. Therefore, both the PS and SS methods may be an alternative to the TS method to achieve greater total repetitions and training volume with a tendency toward a longer PEH response.

Myoeletric indices of fatigue adopting different rest intervals during leg press sets.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of different rest intervals between multiple sets of the 45° angled leg press exercise (LP45) on surface electromyographic (SEMG) spectral and amplitude indices of fatigue. METHODS: Fifteen recreationally trained females performed three protocols in a randomized crossover design; each consisting of four sets of 10 repetitions with 1 (P1), 3 (P3), or 5 (P5) minute rest intervals between sets. Each set was performed with 70% of the LP45 ten-repetition maximum load. The SEMG data for biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles was then evaluated. RESULTS: The SEMG amplitude change in the time coefficient (CRMS) and spectral fatigue index (Cf5) indicated higher levels of fatigue for all muscles evaluated during the P3 protocol versus the P1 and P5 protocols (p ≤ 0.05), respectively. The RF and VL muscles showed greater fatigue levels by the second and third sets; whereas, greater fatigue was shown in the VM and BF muscles by the fourth set (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A three-minute rest interval between sets might represent a neuromuscular window between a fatigue stated and fully recovered state in the context of neural activation. Moreover, a three minute rest interval between sets might allow for consistent recruitment of high threshold motor units over multiple sets, and thus promote a more effective stimulus for strength gains.

Repetition Performance and Blood Lactate Responses Adopting Different Recovery Periods Between Training Sessions in Trained Men.

Miranda, H, Maia, MF, Paz, GA, de Souza, JAAA, Simão, R, Farias, DA, and Willardson, JM. Repetition performance and blood lactate responses adopting different recovery periods between training sessions in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3340-3347, 2018-The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different recovery periods (24, 48, and 72 hours) between repeated resistance training (RT) sessions for the upper-body muscles on repetition performance and blood lactate responses in trained men. Sixteen recreationally trained men (age: 26.1 ± 3.1 years; height: 179 ± 4.5 cm; body mass: 82.6 ± 4.0 kg, 4.5 ± 2.2 years of RT experience) participated in this study. Eight repetition maximum (8RM) loads were determined for the bench press (BP), 30° incline bench press (BP30), and 45° incline bench press (BP45) exercises. To assess the effects of different recovery periods between repeated training sessions, 3 protocols were performed in randomized order, including 24 hours (P24), 48 hours (P48), and 72 hours (P72). Each RT session consisted of performing 4 repetition maximum sets of the BP, BP30, and BP45 with 8RM loads and 2-minute rest intervals between sets. Blood lactate levels were measured presession (PRE), immediately postsession (POST), 3 minutes postsession (P3), and 5 minutes postsession (P5). For the P24 protocol, significant decreases in repetition performance were found between sessions for the BP, BP30, and BP45 exercises, respectively. When considering session 2 only, the total work (repetition × sets) was significantly higher under P48 and P72 compared with P24 for the BP30 and BP45 exercises. Blood lactate levels (i.e., POST, P3, and P5) significantly increased for session 2 under the P24 compared with the P48 and P72 protocols, respectively. Therefore, coaches and practitioners who need to accomplish a higher training volume for the upper-body muscles should adopt recovery periods longer than 24 hours between sessions that train the same or similar muscle groups.

Volume Load and Neuromuscular Fatigue During an Acute Bout of Agonist-Antagonist Paired-Set vs. Traditional-Set Training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of performing paired-set (PS) vs. traditional-set (TS) training over 3 consecutive sets, on volume load and electromyographic fatigue parameters of the latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, pectoralis major, and triceps brachii muscles. Fifteen trained men performed 2 testing protocols (TS and PS) using 10 repetition maximum loads. The TS protocol consisted of 3 sets of bench press (BP) followed by 3 sets of wide-grip seated row (SR). The PS consisted of 3 sets of BP and 3 sets of SR performed in an alternating manner. Volume load was calculated as load × repetitions. The electromyographic signal, time (CRMS) and frequency (Cf5) domain, parameters were recorded during SR. Under the PS protocol, sets of SR were performed immediately after the sets of BP. A 2-minute rest interval between the completion of the set of SR and the subsequent set of BP was implemented (e.g., between PSs). Under the TS protocol, 2-minute rest intervals were implemented between all sets. BP and SR volume loads decreased significantly from set 1 to set 2 and from set 2 to set 3 under both conditions. Volume load was greater for all sets of both exercises under PS as compared with TS. Muscle fatigue indices were greater under PS as compared with TS. In general, these results indicate that as compared with TS, PS produced a greater training volume in less time and may induce greater fatigue and thereby provide an enhanced training stimulus.

Blood lactate concentration and strength performance between agonist-antagonist paired set, superset and traditional set training / La concentración de lactato en sangre y rendimiento de fuerza entre series emparejadas agonista-antagonista, super series y entrenamiento tradicional

Objective: To investigate acute effect of agonist-antagonist paired set (PS), superset (SS) and traditional set (TS) training on maximal repetition performance, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (BL). Material and method: Ten recreationally trained men (27.5 ± 3.8 years; 75.0 ± 5.6 kg; 176.4 ± 4.8 cm) participated in the current study. Firstly, the 8 repetition maximum (RM) loads were determined for the seated row (SR) and bench-press (BP) exercises. Then, three experimental protocols were applied: TS - 3 SR sets were performed followed by 3 BP sets; PS - 3 paired sets were performed between SR and BP exercises in alternate manner; SS - 3 paired sets were performed between SR and BP exercises without rest interval between each set paired set. Blood lactate sampling was measured prior to session (PRE); immediately post-exercise (POST); 3 min (P3), and 5 min (P5) post-exercise. Results: Greater repetition performance was noted under PS compared to SS and TS protocols for SR and BP exercises, respectively. No differences were noted between SS and TS protocols. Higher blood lactate concentrations were also noted under SS protocol compared to PS and TS, respectively, for POST, P3 e P5 measures. RPE was significantly higher under SS than PS and TS, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the PS may be an interesting method to be adopted in order to increase the repetition performance in acute manner for multi-joint exercises for upper body muscles, as well as, the SS method might be an alternative to increase the metabolic stress and muscle fatigue

Objetivo: Investigar el efecto del entrenamiento con series emparejadas agonista-antagonista (SE), súper series (SS) y series tradicionales (ST), en el rendimiento de repeticiones máximas, la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (RPE) y lactato sanguíneo (L). Material y método: Diez deportistas de recreación (27.5 ± 3.8 años; 75.0 ± 5.6 kg; 176.4 ± 4.8 cm), hombres, fueron voluntariamente sometidos a este estudio. En primer lugar han sido determinadas las cargas de 8 repeticiones máximas para los ejercicios de remo sentado (RS) y press de banca (PB). Posteriormente, se aplicaron 3 protocolos: ST - 3 series de RS seguidas por 3 series de PB; SE - 3 series emparejadas entre los ejercicios RS y PB alternadamente; SS - 3 series emparejadas entre los ejercicios RS y PB sin intervalo de recuperación entre cada serie emparejadas. Muestras de L han sido medidas antes de la sesión (PRE); y inmediatamente después de la sesión (POS); 3 min (P3), y 5 min (P5) después. Resultado: Se encontró un mayor rendimiento de repeticiones en SE en comparación con SS y ST para los ejercicios RS y PB. No se observaron diferencias entre los protocolos SS y ST. Se observó una mayor concentración de lactato en el protocolo SS en comparación con SE y ST respectivamente, para las mediciones POS, P3 y P5. La RPE fue significativamente mayor en SS, en comparación con PS y TS respectivamente. Conclusión: Por consiguiente, el SE puede ser un método interesante para ser adoptado con el fin de aumentar el rendimiento de repeticiones en forma aguda para los ejercicios multi-articulares para los músculos superiores del cuerpo, como también, el método SS podría ser una alternativa para aumentar la tensión metabólica y la fatiga muscular

Hypotensive Responses of Reciprocal Supersets versus Traditional Resistance Training in Apparently Healthy Men.

The purpose of this study was to compare the hypotensive responses of reciprocal supersets (SS) versus traditional training (TRAD) methods. Thirteen men with at least five years of recreational experience in resistance training (RT) volunteered for the study. When completing the TRAD protocol, participants performed the following exercises separately in sequence: chest press (CP), low row (LR), leg extension (LE), leg curl (LC), pull down (PD), and shoulder press (SP). The SS method required participants to complete the same exercises as in the TRAD protocol, but exercises were coupled such that muscles sequentially served both as an agonist for lift one and then antagonist for lift two and vice versa. Exercise order used was CP and LR, LE and LC, and PD and SP with 10 repetition maximum loads. Blood pressure (BP) was measured before and for every 10 minutes for one hour after training. There was significantly more total work (TW) done in the TRAD condition compared to SS. Post exercise hypotension was evident only after the TRAD session at minutes 30 and 40 for systolic BP. Significant differences between the TRAD and SS methods were found at 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 40 minutes for systolic BP. There was no significant two-way interaction for group × time for diastolic BP. There was a significant two-way interaction for group × time for mean arterial pressure. Significant reductions for mean arterial pressure (MAP) occurred only in the TRAD method after 30 to 40 minutes compared to the baseline values. Therefore, a TRAD RT method was sufficient to cause a hypotensive effect after the training session whereas the SS method did not reveal significant decreases in BP after the session. However, these findings are important to elucidate concerns regarding the post-exercise hypotension after RT and showed that TW might be the key to promote these changes because the volume of training was shown to be an important training variable to manipulate and might be associated with BP hypotension after RT.

Physical performance and positional differences among young female volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association among anthropometric, physical performance parameters, and dynamic postural control attributes of young female volleyball athletes, and to determine if differences exist in these attributes according to playing position. METHODS: Forty-three young female volleyball players participated in this study. Players were divided by position into hitters (N.=17), middle blockers (N.=8), setters (N.=10), and liberos (N.=8). Stature, body mass, vertical jump (VJ), peak power, horizontal jump (HJ), sit-and-reach (SRT), star excursion balance (SEBT), and agility (e.g. shuttle run and Illinois agility test) tests were assessed on non-consecutive days in randomized order. RESULTS: No difference was found between groups for SRT, peak power, VJ, and HJ (P≤0.05). Middle blockers and hitters were taller than setters (P≤0.05). Middle blockers were also taller than liberos (P=0.017). Significant differences were observed among groups for agility tests, with hitters significantly faster than setters (P=0.023) and middle blockers (P=0.037). In addition, liberos were significantly faster than setters (P=0.032) and middle blockers (P=0.046), during the Illinois agility test. No difference was observed between groups for reach distance scores in the SEBT. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate important positional differences in agility measures of young female volleyball players. Coaches can use this information to determine the type of physical profile that is needed for specific positions and to design training programs to maximize strength, power, and neuromuscular development of young female volleyball athletes.

Maximal Strength Performance and Muscle Activation for the Bench Press and Triceps Extension Exercises Adopting Dumbbell, Barbell, and Machine Modalities Over Multiple Sets.

Farias, DdA, Willardson, JM, Paz, GA, Bezerra, EdS, and Miranda, H. Maximal strength performance and muscle activation for the bench press and triceps extension exercises adopting dumbbell, barbell and machine modalities over multiple sets. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1879-1887, 2017-The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle activation, total repetitions, and training volume for 3 bench press (BP) exercise modes (Smith machine [SMBP], barbell [BBP], and dumbbell [DBP]) that were followed by a triceps extension (TE) exercise. Nineteen trained men performed 3 testing protocols in random order, which included: (P1) SMBP + TE; (P2) BBP + TE; and (P3) DBP + TE. Each protocol involved 4 sets with a 10-repetition maximum (RM) load, immediately followed by a TE exercise that was also performed for 4 sets with a 10RM load. A 2-minute rest interval was adopted between sets and exercises. Surface electromyographic activity was assessed for the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB). The results indicated that significantly higher total repetitions were achieved for the DBP (31.2 ± 3.2) vs. the BBP (27.8 ± 4.8). For the TE, significantly greater volume was achieved when this exercise was performed after the BBP (1,204.4 ± 249.4 kg) and DBP (1,216.8 ± 287.5 kg) vs. the SMBP (1,097.5 ± 193 kg). The DBP elicited significantly greater PM activity vs. the BBP. The SMBP elicited significantly greater AD activity vs. the BBP and DBP. During the different BP modes, the SMBP and BBP elicited significantly greater TB activity vs. the DBP. However, the DBP elicited significantly greater BB activity vs. the SMBP and BBP, respectively. During the succeeding TE exercise, significantly greater activity of the TB was observed when this exercise was performed after the BBP vs. the SMBP and DBP. Therefore, it seems that the variation in BP modes does influence both repetition performance and muscle activation patterns during the TE when these exercises are performed in succession.

Effects of different rest intervals between antagonist paired sets on repetition performance and muscle activation.

Recent evidence suggests that exercising the antagonist musculature acutely enhances subsequent performance for the agonist musculature. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different rest intervals between sets for exercises that involve antagonistic muscle groups, a technique referred to as antagonist paired sets (APS). Fifteen recreationally trained men were tested for knee extension (KE) exercise performance, with or without previous knee flexion (KF) exercise for the antagonist musculature. The following protocols were performed in random order with 10 repetition maximum loads for the KF and KE exercises: (a) traditional protocol (TP)-1 set of KE only to repetition failure; (b) paired sets with minimal allowable rest (PMR)-1 set of KF followed immediately by a set of KE; (c) P30-30-second rest between paired sets of KF and KE; (d) P1-1-minute rest between paired sets; (e) P3-3-minute rest between paired sets; and (f) P5-5-minute rest between paired sets. The number of repetitions performed and electromyographic (EMG) activity of vastus lateralis, vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles were recorded during the KE set in each protocol. It was demonstrated that significantly greater KE repetitions were completed during the PMR, P30, and P1 protocols vs. the TP protocol. Significantly greater EMG activity was demonstrated for the RF muscle during the KE exercise in the PMR and P30 vs. the TP, P3, and P5, respectively. In addition, significantly greater EMG activity was demonstrated for the VM muscle during the PMR vs. all other protocols. The results of this study indicate that no rest or relatively shorter rest intervals (30 seconds and 1 minute) between APS might be more effective to elicit greater agonist repetition enhancement and muscle activation.