Effort Index as a Novel Variable for Monitoring the Level of Effort During Resistance Exercises

This study aimed to analyze the acute mechanical and metabolic response to resistance exercise protocols (REPs) defined by 2 variables: the first repetition's mean velocity and the percentage of velocity loss (%VL) over the set. The product of these 2 variables was termed the effort index (EI) and was used as an indicator of the degree of fatigue induced during each REP. Twenty-one resistance-trained men (11 in full squat [SQ] and 10 in bench press [BP]) performed 16 REPs separated by 72 hours. Relative loads used (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1-repetition maximum) were determined from the load-velocity relationship for the SQ and BP, whereas volume was objectively determined using the %VL attained over the set (10, 20, 30, and 45% for SQ, and 15, 25, 40, and 55% for BP). Lactate concentration and velocity against the load that elicited a ∼1.00 m·s−1 (V1 m·s−1 load) were measured before and after each REP. Post-exercise velocity with the V1 m·s−1 load and lactate concentration were significantly different (P

Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - July 26, 2018 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research