title: The effect of training volume on the acute response and adaptations to resistance training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the acute response to 2 resistance-exercise protocols performed to repetition failure, but different in load configuration, and determine whether the acute response was related to strength increases after 8 weeks of training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen resistance-trained men completed a single session of 2 resistance-exercise protocols. The constant-load protocol (CL) required subjects to complete 3 sets of single-arm preacher curls (elbow flexion) to failure using a load of approximately 77% 1RM. The reduced-load protocol (RL) was similar, but training load was reduced for the second and third sets. Maximal isometric force (MVIC) and blood lactate were assessed preprotocol and postprotocol to determine the acute response. For the 8-week training phase, subjects (N = 12) were divided into 2 programs, each corresponding to 1 of the protocols. Strength was measured before and after training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MVIC decreased from 106.2 +/- 13.8 to 84.3 +/- 12.1 N . m and from 109.1 +/- 14.7 to 82.5 +/- 13 N . m after the CL and RL protocols, respectively. The decrements in MVIC were significant (P < .001), with the decline after RL tending to be greater (P = .051). Postprotocol blood lactate concentrations after CL and RL were 3.4 +/- 1.1 and 4.1 +/- 1.3 mmol/L, respectively, with greater increases after RL (P = .036). Similar and significant 1RM strength increases were observed after both programs (from 20.7 +/- 2.7 to 23.3 +/- 3.5 kg after CL and from 22.4 +/- 2.9 to 25.5 +/- 3.2 kg after RL; P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The similar increases in strength suggest that either the greater acute response to RL was not related to the increases in strength or a minimal (threshold) response was achieved during both programs.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brandenburg
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Docherty
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D055070:Resistance Training
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid