title: Effect of Two- Versus Three-Way Split Resistance Training Routines on Body Composition and Muscular Strength in Bodybuilders: A Pilot Study.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare different split resistance training routines on body composition and muscular strength in elite bodybuilders. Ten male bodybuilders (26.7 ± 2.7 years, 85.3 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned into one of two resistance training groups: 4 and 6 times per week (G4× and G6×, respectively), in which the individuals trained for 4 weeks, 4 sets for each exercise performing 6-12 repetitions maximum (RM) in a pyramid fashion. Body composition was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, muscle strength was evaluated by 1RM bench-press testing. The food intake was planned by nutritionists and offered individually throughout the duration of the experiment. Significant increases (p < .05) in fat-free mass (G4× = +4.2%, G6× = +3.5%) and muscular strength (G4× = +8.4%, G6× = +11.4%) with no group by time interaction were observed. We conclude that 4 and 6 weekly sessions frequencies of resistance training promote similar increases in fat-free mass and muscular strength in elite bodybuilders.
authors.affiliation: Physical Education and Sport Center, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alex S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Brad J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Schoenfeld
authors.forename: Danilo R P
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Fábio L C
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Pina
authors.forename: Débora A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Guariglia
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porto
authors.forename: Nailza
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maestá
authors.forename: Roberto C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Burini
authors.forename: Edilson S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Cyrino
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001823:Body Composition; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D014891:Weight Lifting