THE EFFECTS OF THREE DIFFERENT RESISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAMS ON CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION

Abstract

1125 This study investigated the effects of three different progressive resistance training programs on cardiovascular performance. Thirty-three untrained men were divided into 4 groups: LR (n=9) performed 4 sets of 3-5 repetitions, IR (n=11) performed 3 sets of 9-11 repetitions, HR (n=7) performed 2 sets of 22-26 repetitions, and C (n=6) did not train. Subjects trained for 8 wks using 3 exercises for the lower extremity: leg press, squat, and knee extensions. Pre- and post-strength testing involved both 1RM and 60% 1RM. Cardiovascular fitness was assessed by a graded cycle ergometer test, which began at 60 watts and was increased by 30 watts/min until exhaustion. All three training groups showed significant increases in 1RM for all 3 exercises. HR completed significantly more repetitions at 60% 1RM after training for all 3 exercises, whereas no other group demonstrated a significant improvement at 60% 1RM, except IR in the squat. Maximal VO2, VE, power, and time to exhaustion was monitored during the test. Maximal VO2 and VE were unchanged after training. HR was the only group to show a significant increase in both time to exhaustion (7.6±1.8 to 9.1±1.3 min) and maximal power output (265±47 to 308±41 Watts). These data suggest that the high number of repetitions performed by HR caused an increase in local muscular endurance. These adaptations may include increased lactate tolerance, improvements in anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, or simply an increased tolerance of very high intensity work.