Abstract

The current investigation was an examination of the repetition-to-repetition magnitudes and changes in kinetic and kinematic characteristics of the back squat using accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and cluster sets. Trained male subjects (age = 26.1 ± 4.1 years, height = 183.5 ± 4.3 cm, body mass = 92.5 ± 10.5 kg, back squat to body mass ratio = 1.8 ± 0.3) completed four load condition sessions, each consisting of three sets of five repetitions of either traditionally loaded straight sets (TL), traditionally loaded cluster sets (TLC), AEL cluster sets (AEC), and AEL straight sets where only the initial repetition had eccentric overload (AEL1). Eccentric overload was applied using weight releasers, creating a total eccentric load equivalent to 105% of concentric one repetition maximum (1RM). Concentric load was 80% 1RM for all load conditions. Using straight sets (TL and AEL1) tended to decrease peak power (PP) (d = −1.90 to −0.76), concentric rate of force development (RFDCON) (d = −1.59 to −0.27), and average velocity (MV) (d = −3.91 to −1.29), with moderate decreases in MV using cluster sets (d = −0.81 to −0.62). Greater magnitude eccentric rate of force development (RFDECC) was observed using AEC at repetition three (R3) and five (R5) compared to all load conditions (d = 0.21–0.65). Large within-condition changes in RFDECC from repetition one to repetition three (∆REP1–3) were present using AEL1 (d = 1.51), demonstrating that RFDECC remained elevated for at least three repetitions despite overload only present on the initial repetition. Overall, cluster sets appear to permit higher magnitude and improved maintenance of concentric outputs throughout a set. Eccentric overload with the loading protocol used in the current study does not appear to potentiate concentric output regardless of set configuration but may cause greater RFDECC compared to traditional loading.

Highlights

  • Strength-power adaptations to resistance training are primarily determined by the mode of exercise which is implemented and type of loading encountered [1]

  • Concentric outputs tended to decrease in both straight-set configurations (TL and AEL1): peak power

  • Accentuated eccentric loading does not appear to provide a potentiating effect on concentric output in straight-set or cluster-set configurations but may impart higher magnitude RFDECC compared to traditional loading

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Summary

Introduction

Strength-power adaptations to resistance training are primarily determined by the mode of exercise which is implemented and type of loading encountered [1]. Sports 2018, 6, 59 power can be optimized through proper management of acute training variables such as sets, reps, rest periods, and exercise order [2]. Accentuated eccentric loading is an advanced training tactic aiming to exploit the muscle’s ability to produce greater force during eccentric muscle actions compared to isometric and concentric actions [5,6]. This method is prescribed for movements that require coupled eccentric–concentric actions (e.g., back squat, bench press), using eccentric loads in excess of the concentric prescription

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