Auto-Regulation Method vs. Fixed-Loading Method in Maximum Strength Training for Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Xing Zhang,Hansen Li,Shilin Bi,Guodong Zhang,Yong Luo,Yang Cao

doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.651112

Abstract

The auto-regulation method is a rising training strategy to improve strength and motor performance, and the Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise (APRE), Rating of Perceived Exertion program (RPE), and Velocity-Based Training (VBT) are the three common auto-regulation programs. However, whether the auto-regulation method is more effective than the traditional strength training (the fixed-loading method) in maximum strength training is still unclear. The present study searched the Pubmed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane, CNKI, and CQVIP databases, and included eight related studies published between 2010 and 2020, with a total of 166 subjects including division 1 college players and athletes with at least 1-year training history, and interventions ranging from 5 to 10 weeks. A meta-analysis was performed to check the difference between the two training methods, and analyzed the differences in the existing auto-regulation programs' effectiveness. The overall results showed that the auto-regulation method was more effective than the fixed-loading method in maximum strength training (effect size = 0.64; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). In specific, the pooled results in subgroup analysis indicated that the auto-regulation method may effectively improve the strength performance in squat (effect size = 4.64; P < 0.05; I2 = 54%) and bench press (effect size = 3.21; P < 0.05; I2 = 62%). Greater benefits of the auto-regulation method on strength improvement could be achieved in an 8-week or even shorter training (effect size = 0.87; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%) compared with those of 8–10 weeks (effect size = 0.32; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). The APRE is the most effective training program among the three auto-regulation programs (effect size = 0.78; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). In conclusion, the auto-regulation method could be more effective than the fixed-loading method in maximum strength training. The APRE is a convenient and effective training program that may be considered a practical training program to replace traditional training in athletes.

Highlights

Five reports indicated that the auto-regulation methods were more effective in maximum strength training than the fixedloading method, while no significant difference was reported in the rest of the reports, or no statistical test was performed
Among the AREP, RPR, and Velocity-Based Training (VBT) programs, we found the Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise (APRE) program more effective in improving the maximum strength compared to the fixed-loading method
The present systematical review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the differences in maximum strength improvement between the auto-regulation methods and fixed-loading methods

Summary

Introduction

The maximum strength is known to play a key role in improving and maintaining sports performance, including increased speed (Ronnestad et al, 2008; Chelly et al, 2009; Comfort et al, 2012; Styles et al, 2016), agility (Spiteri et al, 2013, 2015), and explosive strength (HÄKkukinen et al, 1985; Van Cutsem et al, 1998; Aagaard et al, 2002; Chelly et al, 2009; Andersen et al, 2010), and is even conducive to develop motor skills (Suchomel et al, 2016). To effectively develop the maximum strength, many attempts have been made to find out a better training method (Materko et al, 2010; Shalfawi and Kjellstadli, 2018). Traditional strength training seems to be the effective method in improving maximum strength, which refers to various training programs designed based on the individual’s strength limitation, usually known as the 1RM (One Repetition Maximum) in strength events. The fixed-loading method needs to be performed with an accurate estimation of the supercompensation to achieve effective progress. Due to numerous successful cases, the fixed-loading method has been considered as the best strategy in strength training for a very long time, and has been applied in different sports and people with a varied athletic ability (Rhea et al, 2002; Sander et al, 2013)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion