Acute Effects of Different Set Configurations on Neuromuscular, Metabolic, and Perceptual Responses in Young Women

We compared neuromuscular, metabolic, and perceptual responses between different resistance training configurations in young women. In a counterbalanced randomized order, 13 young women performed the following protocols in separate sessions (sets x repetitions): traditional (TRAD): 5x10, 90-s of rest interval between sets; more frequent and shorter total rest (FSR): 10x5, 30-s of rest interval between sets. The sessions were composed of leg press exercise with the same intensity. Force (maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and metabolic (lactate concentration) responses were measured pre- and post-resistance training sessions. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured after each set. The internal training load was calculated using the session-RPE method. There was a significant reduction in the MVIC only after TRAD configuration (Effect size [ES] = 0.36). The lactate concentration increased in both conditions but was higher after TRAD (ES = 2.81) than FSR (ES = 1.23). The RPE has progressively increased in both configurations. On the other hand, the internal training load was lower in the FSR configuration. From our findings, we suggest that more frequent and shorter total rest is an effective strategy for maintaining the ability to produce force, generating less metabolic stress and lower perceived internal load in young women.