Vol 16, Issue 3

Low-Load x High-Load Resistance Exercise: Greater Cell Swelling After a Training Session

April 1, 2023 - By 

Authors

Gabriel Agentilho, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Erick Lucena, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Luis Felipe M. Teixeira, University of Sorocaba (UNISO), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
Vanessa Boas, University Center of the Associated Colleges of Education, São João da Boa Vista, Brazil
Isadora Ribeiro, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Renato Barroso, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
Brad Schoenfeld, Lehman College, NY, USA
Marco Uchida, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
International Journal of Exercise Science 16(3): 513-524, 2023. 
DOI: 10.70252/UIYF2129

Abstract

Cell swelling caused by resistance training is proposed to provide an anabolic stimulus for muscle growth and it is believed that these effects are heightened with the use of low loads. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of two volume-equated resistance training (RT) protocols, low-load (LL) versus high-load (HL), on elbow flexor muscles thickness, arm circumference, and blood lactate concentration in well-trained individuals. Eight resistance-trained males performed the following two RT protocols involving unilateral elbow flexion of the dominant arm: i) LL, four sets with 50% 1 repetition-maximum [1 RM] and ii) HL, ten sets with 85% 1 RM until failure, and equated volume. Pre- and post-session measurements included muscle thickness of the elbow flexors (biceps brachii and brachialis), upper arm circumference, and blood lactate concentration. Significant pre- to post-session increases were found in both protocols for muscle thickness (F (1, 28) = 11.74, p = 0.0019), and blood lactate (F (1, 28) = 35.55, p < 0.0001); no statistically significant differences were observed between conditions, however, the magnitude of increases favored LL. Significant between-condition differences favoring LL were observed for total repetitions (p = 0.007), time under tension (p = 0.007), and training density (p = 0.007). These results suggest that LL training promotes superior post-session increases in muscle thickness, indicating that RT protocols with longer times under tension and densities are beneficial when the goal is to promote acute cell swelling.

Recommended Citation