Dynamic training volume: a construct of both time under tension and volume load
1University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|December 21, 2013
Summary
Varying training volume methods impacts muscular fatigue. Greater time under tension (TUT) or volume load (VL) increases fatigue, highlighting the need for clear training volume definitions in resistance programs.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Resistance training volume is crucial for neuromuscular adaptation.
- Defining training volume through time under tension (TUT) and volume load (VL) can yield different outcomes.
- Understanding the impact of different volume metrics on acute muscular fatigue is essential for program design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of three distinct weight training protocols on acute muscular fatigue.
- To compare the influence of time under tension (TUT) and volume load (VL) as measures of training volume.
- To determine how variations in TUT and VL affect muscle force production and neural activation.
Main Methods:
- Ten resistance-trained males participated in three dynamic constant resistance exercise protocols for elbow flexors.
- Protocols were designed to vary TUT and VL: Protocol A (standard), Protocol B (40% TUT, same VL), Protocol C (equated TUT, 50% VL).
- Muscular fatigue was assessed by measuring changes in maximum voluntary isometric force and integrated electromyography (iEMG) pre- and post-training.
Main Results:
- When volume load (VL) was equated, increased time under tension (TUT) significantly enhanced muscular fatigue (p ≤ 0.001).
- When TUT was equated, increased VL significantly enhanced muscular fatigue (p ≤ 0.01).
- All protocols induced significant decreases in integrated electromyography (iEMG) (p ≤ 0.05), with no significant differences between protocols.
Conclusions:
- Both time under tension (TUT) and volume load (VL) independently contribute to acute muscular fatigue.
- Discrepancies in training volume definitions can lead to varied fatigue responses.
- Clear specification of TUT and VL is necessary for effective resistance training program design and to predict neuromuscular adaptation.
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