Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally trained subjects.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown that total-body resistance training (RT) performed two to three alternating days per week has positive effects on muscle strength and body composition. However, no evidence exists to determine if total-body RT workouts done on consecutive days (CD) are beneficial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a total-body RT program performed on three consecutive or nonconsecutive days (NCD) per week for 7 weeks on maximum strength and body composition in recreationally trained subjects.


METHODS
Twenty-one men were randomly assigned to a 3NCD (N.=11) or 3CD group (N.=10). Prior and following training, anthropometric measures, and 1 repetition maximum values for leg press, and bench press were measured.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase for leg press strength and bench press strength for both groups (P<0.01) from pre to post intervention. There was also a significant increase for arm and chest girth measures (P<0.05) on the 3 CD group. No significant differences between groups were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that RT programs performed on three consecutive or nonconsecutive days per week determine similar effects on maximum strength, and body composition.
Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal - alcinodsc@hotmail.com.
Alcino D
AD
da Silva Carvalho
Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
José A
JA
Rodrigues Santos
D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult