Acute Effects Of Exercise Velocity In Resistance Exercise

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a Super Slow velocity and a self-selected velocity at varying percentages of one repetition maximum (1RM) on the number of repetitions, peak force, peak power, and total volume in a squat and shoulder press exercise. METHODS Nine resistance trained men (age: 23.9 ± 2.5 years; height: 174.8 ± 6.5 cm; body mass: 80.1 ± 12.4 kg) participated in the study. A 1RM was determined in the squat and shoulder press exercises. On separate testing days, each subject performed a squat and shoulder press exercise at 60% or 80% of 1RM at either a volitional speed (VOL) or a Super Slow speed (SS) (consisting of a 10-second eccentric contraction and a 10-second concentric contraction) for as many repetitions as possible. The number of repetitions were recorded and force, power, and volume (reps × kg) were measured. RESULTS Significant differences were found in the number of repetitions performed between 60% and 80% SS shoulder press and corresponding VOL shoulder press (4 ± 1 vs. 14 ± 2 and 1 ± 0 vs. 6 ± 1) and 60% and 80% SS and corresponding VOL squat (5 ± 1 vs. 24 ± 2 and 2 ± 0 vs. 12 ± 1.) Mean peak power for 60% and 80% SS and VOL shoulder press was 91.33 ± 21.92 vs. 706.60 ± 151.39 W and 78.12 ± 19.82 vs. 277.62 ± 46.43 W. Mean peak power for 60% and 80% SS and VOL squat was 271.19 ± 40.09 vs. 783.21 ± 129.05 W and 229.25 ± 49.53 vs. 520.21 ± 85.80 W. Mean peak force for 60% and 80% SS and VOL shoulder press was 321.62 ± 37.78 vs. 940.71 ± 144.76 N and 296.48 ± 24.66 vs. 702.50 ± 57.68 N. Mean peak force for 60% and 80% SS and VOL squat was 564.36 ± 77.35 vs. 1228.95 ± 134.86 N and 457.32 ± 27.93 vs. 1059.32 ± 104.67 N. Shoulder press total volume means were 170.55 ± 168.61 for the 60% SS vs. 606.16 ± 298.76 for the 60% VOL and 68.75 ± 31.43 for the 80% SS vs. 353.21 ± 219.19 for the 80% VOL. Squat volume means were 383.77 ± 316.50 for the 60% SS vs. 1958.47 ± 615.03 for the 60% VOL and 259.88 ± 105.33 for the 80% SS vs. 1322.55 ± 464.36 for the 80% VOL. All reported results were significant (p<0.05.) CONCLUSIONS Volitional speed shoulder press and squat exercises elicited more repetitions, higher peak power and force, and higher mean volume at 60 and 80% of 1RM than intentional Super Slow velocity. The results of this study indicated that a Super Slow velocity may not elicit appropriate levels of force, power, or volume to optimize strength and athletic performance.