Impact of low-volume concurrent strength training distribution on muscular adaptation

Abstract

ObjectivesMilitary-, rescue- and law-enforcement personnel require a high physical capacity including muscular strength. The present study hypothesized that 9 weeks of volume matched concurrent short frequent training sessions increases strength more efficiently than less frequent longer training sessions. DesignA randomized training intervention study with functional and physiological tests before and after the intervention. MethodsMilitary conscripts (n=290) were assigned to micro-training (four 15-min strength and four 15-min endurance bouts weekly); classical-training (one 60-min strength and one 60-min endurance training session weekly) or a control-group (two 60-min standard military physical training sessions weekly). ResultsThere were no group difference between micro-training and classical-training in measures of strength. Standing long jump remained similar while shotput performance was reduced (P≤0.001) in all three groups. Pull-up performance increased (P≤0.001) in micro-training (7.4±4.6 vs. 8.5±4.0 repetitions, n=59) and classical-training (5.7±4.1 vs. 7.1±4.2 repetitions, n=50). Knee extensor MVC increased (P≤0.01) in all groups (micro-training, n=30, 11.5±8.9%; classical-training, n=24, 8.3±11.5% and control, n=19, 7.5±11.8%) while elbow flexor and hand grip MVC remained similar. Micro-training increased (P≤0.05) type IIa percentage from 32.5±11.0% to 37.6±12.3% (n=20) and control-group increased (P≤0.01) type IIax from 4.4±3.0% to 11.6±7.9% (n=8). In control-group type I, fiber size increased (P≤0.05) from 5121±959μm to 6481±2084μm (n=5). Satellite cell content remained similar in all groups. ConclusionsWeekly distribution of low-volume concurrent training completed as either eight 15-min bouts or two 60-min sessions of which 50% was strength training did not impact strength gains in a real-world setting.