title: Inter-repetition rest training and traditional set configuration produce similar strength gains without cortical adaptations.
abstract: This study compared the functional and neural effects of two strength training programmes differing in set configuration. Thirteen participants performed 10 sessions, over a period of 5 weeks, of unilateral leg extensions with different set configurations but with identical work-to-rest ratios for each limb: a traditional configuration (4 sets of 8 repetitions, 10RM load, 3-min pause between sets) and an inter-repetition rest configuration (32 repetitions, 10RM load, 17.4 s of rest between each repetition). Mean propulsive velocity of the traditional sessions was lower than for inter-repetition rest sessions (0.48 ± 0.06 vs. 0.54 ± 0.06 m · s(-1); P < 0.001), while perceived exertion was higher (8.3 ± 0.9 and 6.56 ± 1.6 for traditional training and IRT; P = 0.002). One repetition maximum (RM), work with 10RM load, maximum mean propulsive power, maximum voluntary contraction and time to failure with 50% of maximum isometric force improved similarly in both legs (time effect, P < 0.001; effect size range, 0.451-1.190). Time and set configuration did not show significant main effects or interactions for cortical adaptations (motor-evoked potentials, short-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation). There were no significant correlations between changes in cortical and peripheral neural adaptations and strength improvement. In conclusion, inter-repetition rest configuration was as effective as traditional training in improving muscle performance.
authors.affiliation: a Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Eliseo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iglesias-Soler
authors.affiliation: a Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Xián
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.affiliation: b Learning and Human Movement Control Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Río-Rodríguez
authors.affiliation: a Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carballeira
authors.affiliation: a Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fariñas
authors.affiliation: b Learning and Human Movement Control Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education , University of A Coruña , A Coruña , Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fernández-Del-Olmo
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000886:Anthropometry; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D010465:Perception; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012146:Rest; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Resistance training; cluster training; cortical adaptations; peripheral adaptations; voluntary activation