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Resistance training volume and post exercise energy expenditure
1Department of Kinesiology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407-2397, USA. bhaddock@csusb.edu
Increasing resistance training volume from one to three sets, at the same intensity, does not significantly increase excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in trained women. Recovery energy expenditure per minute was higher with lower volume training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Resistance training volume is a key variable influencing training adaptations.
- Understanding the impact of training volume on energy expenditure during recovery is crucial for optimizing training programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increasing resistance training volume, while maintaining intensity, affects excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
- To compare the recovery energy expenditure between a 1-set and a 3-set resistance training protocol in trained women.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen resistance-trained women participated in two protocols: 1-set and 3-set resistance training, with exercises performed to volitional fatigue at 8RM.
- Energy expenditure was continuously measured via oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) before, during, and for 120 minutes post-exercise.
- Blood lactate concentrations were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 30-minute intervals during recovery.
Main Results:
- The 3-set protocol resulted in significantly higher net energy expenditure during exercise compared to the 1-set protocol.
- No significant difference in total net excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) was observed between the 1-set and 3-set protocols over 120 minutes of recovery.
- However, the 1-set protocol showed a significantly greater EPOC per minute of exercise compared to the 3-set protocol.
Conclusions:
- Increasing resistance training volume from 1 to 3 sets, at the same intensity, does not significantly increase overall EPOC in trained women.
- Lower volume resistance training may elicit a proportionally greater recovery energy expenditure relative to the duration of the exercise bout.
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