Muscle activation, blood lactate, and perceived exertion responses to changing resistance training programming variables.
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE: 0-10) during resistance training with varying programming demands were examined. Blood lactate (BLa) and muscle activation (using surface electromyography: EMG) were measured as potential mediators of RPE responses. Participants performed three sets of single arm (preferred side) bicep curls at 70% of 1 repetition maximum over 4 trials: Trial (A) 3 sets × 8 repetitions × 120 s recovery between sets; (B) 3 sets × 8 repetitions × 240 s recovery; (C) 3 sets × maximum number of repetitions (MNR) × 120 s recovery; (D) 3 sets × MNR × 240 s recovery. Overall body (RPE-O) and active muscle (RPE-AM) perceptual responses were assessed following each set in each trial. Biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscle EMG was measured during each set for each trial. RPE-O and RPE-AM were not different between Trial A (3.5 ± 1 and 6 ± 1, respectively) and Trial B (3.5 ± 1 and 5.5 ± 1, respectively) (p < .05). However, RPE-AM was significantly greater in Trial C (7.5 ± 1.5) and Trial D (7.5 ± 1.5) than in Trial B (p < .05). There were no significant differences in muscle activation or BLa between trials; however, work rate (tonnage/min) was greater in Trials C and D compared to Trial B. In conclusion, BLa and muscle activation were not related to RPE, but resistance training variables, such as work rate, may impact on RPE when intensity (%1RM) and the number of sets completed remain constant.
a School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , Australia.
Daniel J
DJ
Hiscock
a School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , Australia.
Brian
B
Dawson
a School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , Australia.
Cyril J
CJ
Donnelly
a School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health , The University of Western Australia , Crawley , Australia.
Peter
P
Peeling
D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training; D012146:Rest; D055815:Young Adult
D007773:Lactates
EMG; Work rate; fatigue; rest duration; tonnage