Don't Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume's Transient Effects in Trained Men

This study investigated the effects of different session volumes on perceptual, performance, and morphological changes and their transient responses following the experimental sessions. Thirteen trained men (training experience: 5.1±1.3 y; 10 repetition-maximum squat: 131±23 kg) completed three counterbalanced experimental sessions consisting of 7, 14, or 21 total sets per session targeting the lower body. A 10 repetition-maximum test was used as a performance marker. Anterior thigh muscle thickness and echo-intensity were assessed at baseline, immediately after the session, 24, 48, and 72 hours after experimental sessions. Perceived recovery status was assessed at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours after experimental sessions. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded post-session only. The 14- and 21-SETS conditions resulted in greater volume load (p<0.05). Perceived recovery status and rating of perceived exertion were significantly affected by training volume (p<0.05), particularly in the 21-SETS condition, which induced higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery status than the other conditions. No conditions or condition-by-time effects were observed for muscle thickness, echo-intensity, or 10 repetition-maximum-volume load (p>0.05). Despite distinct perceptual and volume load differences, no sustained muscle swelling or evidence of edema was observed, as muscle thickness and echo-intensity measurements returned to baseline within 24 hours post-session across all conditions.