The Effect of Multiple Sessions of Resistance Training on Strength Performance and Anaerobic Capacity of the Upper Body

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of daily one single bout versus triple bouts of resistance exercise for 12 weeks on muscular strength and anaerobic performance of the upper body. METHODS: Young adult participants (n = 20, age: 22.0 ± 1.0 years, bench press: 44.0 ± 10.3 kg) were randomly assigned to one single bout (SB) or triple-bout (TB) of resistance exercise group. The maximal strength and anaerobic performance of the upper body using the bench press (one-repetition maximum) and the modified 30-sec Wingate test were determined before and after the intervention, respectively. Additionally, the changes in the lactate levels before and after the Wingate test were measured. RESULTS: Although the SB and TB groups showed a significant increase in the maximal strength (post-intervention, SB: 67.2 ± 9.2, TB: 67.6 ± 7.6 kg) compared with the values at pre-intervention (SB: 44.6 ± 11.4, TB: 43.9 ± 8.7 kg), there was no significant difference for this parameter between the two groups post-intervention (p > 0.05). Additionally, the results of the Wingate test in the SB and TB groups also displayed similar significant improvements after the completion of different training regimes. Concerning the change in lactate from pre- to post-Wingate test, no significant differences were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:On the basis of the same training volume, multiple bouts of resistance training showed similar improvements in the maximal strength and anaerobic performance to tradition one bout of resistance training in young men without prior experience in resistance training.