Muscle Daily Undulating Periodization for Strength and Body Composition: The Proposal of a New Model

The traditional linear periodization model is designed for modifications to be performed over several weeks, whereas alterations in the undulating model are applied on a more frequent basis. The study investigated a novel periodization scheme, the muscle daily undulating periodization model (mDUP). Thirty-seven men were randomly assigned into 2 groups: (a) a group that performed 12 weeks of daily undulating periodization with fix overload (DUP-F) resistance training (n = 19) and (b) a group that performed 12-weeks of muscle daily undulating periodization with variation overload (mDUP) (n = 18). Body composition and strength assessments (muscular endurance and one repetition maximum [1 RM] for barbell bench press, 45º leg press, lat pull down, and standing arm curl) were completed before and after the program. Two-way MANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare groups with significance set at p<0.05. There were no differences between periodization programs for anthropometric variables (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.04), but improvement was noted over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.60). No differences were observed between periodization programs for strength (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.056), but strength increased over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.95). Similarly, no muscular endurance differences were seen between periodization programs (p > 0.05, η2p = 0.15), but measures increased over time (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.60). When it comes to body composition, muscle strength, and muscle endurance, the present study provides evidence that both periodization models displayed similar results, with more evident improvements in strength. Thus, it seems pertinent to consider this new periodization model plausible for RT practitioners in order to achieve new adaptations.