Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(11): 820-828
DOI: 10.1055/a-2179-3817
Training & Testing

Acute Metabolic Response, Neuromuscular Activity, and Mechanical Performance to Different Set

1   University of Osuna (Centre attached to the University of Seville), Osuna, Spain
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
,
PedroJesús Cornejo-Daza
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
3   Faculty of Sport Sciences. Department of Sports and Computers Sciences. Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
,
Juan Sánchez-Valdepeñas
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
3   Faculty of Sport Sciences. Department of Sports and Computers Sciences. Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
,
Miguel Sánchez-Moreno
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
4   Department of Physical Education and Sports. University of Seville, Seville, Spain
,
Fábio Yuzo-Nakamura
5   Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), Maia, Portugal
,
Fernando Pareja-Blanco
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
3   Faculty of Sport Sciences. Department of Sports and Computers Sciences. Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
,
Manuel Ortega-Becerra
2   Science Based Training Research Group, Department of Sports and Computer Sciences,Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Seville, Spain
3   Faculty of Sport Sciences. Department of Sports and Computers Sciences. Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the acute metabolic response, neuromuscular activity, and mechanical performance of different set configurations in bench-press (BP). Twenty-two resistance-trained men performed three resistance exercise protocols consisting of 3 x 12 BP repetitions at 60% 1RM, with 4 minutes of rest between sets, but with different set configurations: (a) traditional set (TS), without rest within the set; (b) cluster-6 (CS6), with 30-second intraset rest after the sixth repetition in each set; and (c) cluster-2 (CS2), with 30-second intraset rest every two repetitions. Mean propulsive force (MPF), velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and electromyography (EMG) values were recorded for each repetition. Blood lactate, maximal voluntary isometric BP contraction, and dynamic strength in BP were assessed pre- and post-exercise. The CS2 protocol resulted in greater mechanical performance (i. e. MPF, MPV, and MPP) and lower alterations of EMG parameters (i. e. root mean square and median frequency) during the exercise compared to CS6 and TS (TS<CS6<CS2). The CS2 protocol induced smaller increases in lactate compared to TS and CS6. No significant “protocol x time” interactions were observed for the MVIC (maximal voluntary isometric BP contraction) variables. Introducing short but frequent intraset rest periods alleviates training-induced fatigue assessed by better performance maintenance.



Publication History

Received: 23 June 2023

Accepted: 04 September 2023

Article published online:
29 July 2024

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