Load-Velocity Profiles Before and After Heated Resistance Exercise.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Thermoregulation

Background:

• Understanding the impact of environmental heat on neuromuscular performance is crucial for athletes and trainers.
• Previous research has indicated potential decrements in strength and power output under heat stress.
• The specific effects of heated resistance exercise on load-velocity (L-V) profiles require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effects of resistance exercise (RE) in hot versus temperate environments on neuromuscular performance.
• To analyze changes in load-velocity (L-V) profiles before and after a high-volume RE bout under different thermal conditions.
• To assess the influence of elevated core and muscle temperatures on specific L-V parameters.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen resistance-trained individuals (8 men, 8 women) completed a 70-minute whole-body, high-volume RE session in both hot (40°C) and temperate (21°C) conditions.
• Load-velocity (L-V) profiles for deadlift and bench press were measured pre- and post-exercise.
• Core (rectal) and muscle temperatures (vastus lateralis, triceps brachii) were recorded throughout the sessions.

Main Results:

• Deadlift peak velocity decreased at 60% 1RM after RE in the hot condition, but not the temperate condition.
• Bench press peak velocity at 40% 1RM was lower in the temperate versus hot environment pre-exercise.
• Despite significantly higher rectal and muscle temperatures in the hot condition post-exercise, overall L-V profiles were not broadly impaired.

Conclusions:

• High-volume resistance exercise performed in hot environments leads to elevated core and muscle temperatures.
• While some specific velocity decrements were observed, heated resistance exercise did not broadly impair L-V profiles.
• These findings suggest that resistance exercise can be performed effectively in hot conditions with minimal performance compromise.