Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Comparison of fatigue responses and rapid force characteristics between explosive- and traditional-resistance-trained males

  • Original Article
  • Published:
European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To compare maximal and rapid force characteristics, as well as fatigability, between traditional (TRT) and explosive (ERT) resistance-trained men.

Methods

Fourteen TRT (mean age = 25 years) and twelve ERT (mean age = 22 years) men performed rapid maximal contractions followed by an isokinetic fatigue protocol consisting of 50 maximal knee extension (KE) and flexions (KF) at a moderate speed (180° s−¹). Baseline measures included: isokinetic peak torque (PT), isometric rate of torque development (RTD0–50), peak acceleration (ACCmax), and peak velocity (Vmax). Changes in torque with fatigue were used to calculate a fatigue index (FI%).

Results

The ERT group (M ± SD; 1199.05 ± 404.12) displayed a significantly higher isometric RTD0–50 (p = 0.049) during KE than the TRT group (931.73 ± 244.75). No other significant differences in the dependent variables (PT, FI%, ACCmax, Vmax; all p ≥ 0.05) were observed between groups (TRT vs. ERT) for either of the muscle groups (KE and KF).

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that only knee extension RTD was able to discriminate between the two groups. These findings suggest that rapid force production may be more sensitive at distinguishing training-specific muscular adaptations than peak acceleration or velocity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

ACCmax :

Peak acceleration

ERT:

Explosive resistance-trained

FI%:

Fatigue index

KE:

Knee extensors

KF:

Knee flexors

MVC:

Maximal voluntary contraction

PT:

Peak torque

ROM:

Range of motion

RTD:

Rate of torque development

TRT:

Traditional resistance-trained

V max :

Maximal unloaded velocity

References

  • Aagaard P, Simonsen EB, Andersen JL, Magnusson P, Dyhre-Poulsen P (2002) Increased rate of force development and neural drive of human skeletal muscle following resistance training. J Appl Physiol 93:1318–1326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abernethy PJ, Jurimae J, Logan PA, Taylor AW, Thayer RE (1994) Acute and chronic response of skeletal muscle to resistance exercise. Sports Med 17:22–38

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alway S, MacDougall J, Sale D, Sutton J, McComas A (1988) Functional and structural adaptations in skeletal muscle of trained athletes. J Appl Physiol 64:1114–1120

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen L, Andersen J, Zebis M, Aagaard P (2010) Early and late rate of force development: differential adaptive responses to resistance training? Scand J Med Sci Sports 20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behm D (1995) Neuromuscular implications and applications of resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 9:264–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Behm D, Sale D (1993) Intended rather than actual movement velocity determines velocity-specific training response. J Appl Physiol 74:359–368

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bergeron MF et al (2011) Consortium for Health and Military Performance and American College of Sports Medicine consensus paper on extreme conditioning programs in military personnel. Curr Sports Med Rep 10:383–389. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e318237bf8a

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bilodeau M, Erb MD, Nichols JM, Joiner KL, Weeks JB (2001) Fatigue of elbow flexor muscles in younger and older adults. Muscle Nerve 24:98–106

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Campos GE et al (2002) Muscular adaptations in response to three different resistance-training regimens: specificity of repetition maximum training zones. Euro J Appl Physiol 88:50–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caserotti P, Aagaard P, Buttrup Larsen J, Puggaard L (2008) Explosive heavy-resistance training in old and very old adults: changes in rapid muscle force, strength and power Scand. J Med Sci Sports 18:773–782

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Channell BT, Barfield JP (2008) Effect of Olympic and traditional resistance training on vertical jump improvement in high school boys. J Strength Cond Res 22:1522–1527

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conchola EC, Thompson BJ, Smith DB (2013) Effects of neuromuscular fatigue on the electromechanical delay of the leg extensors and flexors in young and old men. Eur J Appl Physiol 113:2391–2399

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Conchola EC, Thiele RM, Palmer TB, Smith DB, Thompson BJ (2015) Effects of neuromuscular fatigue on the electromechanical delay of the leg extensors and flexors in young men and women. Muscle Nerve 52:844–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corcos DM, Jiang H-Y, Wilding J, Gottlieb GL (2002) Fatigue induced changes in phasic muscle activation patterns for fast elbow flexion movements. Exp Brain Res 142:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fielding RA, LeBrasseur NK, Cuoco A, Bean J, Mizer K, Singh MAF (2002) High-velocity resistance training increases skeletal muscle peak power in older women. J Am Ger Soc 50:655–662

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gandevia S (1992) Some central and peripheral factors affecting human motoneuronal output in neuromuscular fatigue. Sports Med 13:93–98

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gruber M, Gruber SB, Taube W, Schubert M (2007) Differential effects of ballistic versus sensorimotor training on rate of force development and neural activation in humans. J Strength Cond Res 21:274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hak PT, Hodzovic E, Hickey B (2013) The nature and prevalence of injury during CrossFit training. J Strength Cond Res. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000318

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Häkkinen K, Keskinen K (1989) Muscle cross-sectional area and voluntary force production characteristics in elite strength-and endurance-trained athletes and sprinters Euro. J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 59:215–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen JW (1961) The training effect of repeated isometric muscle contractions. Int Z Angew Physiol 18:474–477

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen JW (1963) The training effect of dynamic maximal resistence exercises. Int Z Angew Physiol 19:420–424

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hooper D et al (2013) Effects of resistance training fatigue on joint biomechanics. J Strength Cond Res 27:146–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Izquierdo M et al (2009) Neuromuscular fatigue after resistance training Inter. J Sports Med 30:614

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones D, Rutherford O (1987) Human muscle strength training: the effects of three different regimens and the nature of the resultant changes. J Physiol 391:1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jozsi A, Campbell W, Joseph L, Davey S, Evans W (1999) Changes in power with resistance training in older and younger men and women. J Gerontol Ser A Biol Sci Med Sci 54:M591–M596

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Judge L, Moreau C, Burke J (2003) Neural adaptations with sport-specific resistance training in highly skilled athletes. J Sports Sci 21:419–427

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kraemer W, Newton R (2000) Training for muscular power. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 11:341–368

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraemer WJ et al (1995) Compatibility of high-intensity strength and endurance training on hormonal and skeletal muscle adaptations. J Appl Physiol (1985) 78:976–989. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1995.78.3.976

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraemer WJ, Fleck SJ, Evans WJ (1996) Strength and power training: physiological mechanisms of adaptation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 24:363–397

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lattier G, Millet GY, Maffiuletti NA, Babault N, Lepers R (2003) Neuromuscular differences between endurance-trained, power-trained, and sedentary subjects. J Strength Cond Res 17:514–521

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MacDonald CJ, Lamont HS, Garner JC (2012) A comparison of the effects of 6 weeks of traditional resistance training, plyometric training, and complex training on measures of strength and anthropometrics. J Strength Cond Res 26:422–431. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220df79

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mangine G, Ratamess N, Hoffman J, Faigenbaum A, Kang J, Chilakos A (2008) The effects of combined ballistic and heavy resistance training on maximal lower-and upper-body strength in recreationally trained men. J Strength Cond Res 22:132–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall PW, McEwen M, Robbins DW (2011) Strength and neuromuscular adaptation following one, four, and eight sets of high intensity resistance exercise in trained males Euro. J Appl Physiol 111:3007–3016

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mathiassen SE (1989) Influence of angular velocity and movement frequency on development of fatigue in repeated isokinetic knee extensions. Euro J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 59:80–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCaulley GO, McBride JM, Cormie P, Hudson MB, Nuzzo JL, Quindry JC, Triplett NT (2009) Acute hormonal and neuromuscular responses to hypertrophy, strength and power type resistance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 105:695–704

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murray D, Brown L, Zinder S, Noffal G, Bera S, Garrett N (2007) Effects of velocity-specific training on rate of velocity development, peak torque, and performance. J Strength Cond Res 21:870–874

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Newton RU, Kraemer WJ, Haekkinen K (1999) Effects of ballistic training on preseason preparation of elite volleyball players. Med Sci Sports Exerc 31:323–330

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newton R, Hakkinen K, Hakkinen A, McCormick M, Volek J, Kraemer W (2002) Mixed-methods resistance training increases power and strength of young and older men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 34:1367–1375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newton M, Morgan G, Sacco P, Chapman D, Nosaka K (2008) Comparison of responses to strenuous eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors between resistance-trained and untrained men. J Strength Cond Res 22:597–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira F, Oliveira A, Rizatto G, Denadai B (2013a) Resistance training for explosive and maximal strength: effects on early and late rate of force development. J Sports Sci Med 12:402

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira F, Rizatto G, Denadai B (2013b) Are early and late rate of force development differently influenced by fast-velocity resistance training? Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 33:282–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pääsuke M, Ereline J, Gapeyeva H (1999) Neuromuscular fatigue during repeated exhaustive submaximal static contractions of knee extensor muscles in endurance-trained, power-trained and untrained men. Acta Physiol Scand 166:319–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira M, Gomes P (2003) Movement velocity in resistance training. Sports Med 33:427–438

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapp G, Weicker H (1982) Comparative studies on fast muscle myosin light chains after different training programs. Int J Sports Med 3:58–60. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1026065

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rasch PJ, Morehouse LE (1957) Effect of static and dynamic exercises on muscular strength and hypertrophy. J Appl Physiol 11:29–34. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1957.11.1.29

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schuenke M et al (2012) Early-phase muscular adaptations in response to slow-speed versus traditional resistance-training regimens. Euro J Appl Physiol 112:3585–3595

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith MM, Sommer AJ, Starkoff BE, Devor ST (2013) Crossfit-based high-intensity power training improves maximal aerobic fitness and body composition. J Strength Cond Res 27:3159–3172. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318289e59f

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Staron RS et al (1994) Skeletal muscle adaptations during early phase of heavy-resistance training in men and women. J Appl Physiol (1985) 76:1247–1255. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1994.76.3.1247

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stone MH, O’Bryant HS (1987) Weight training: a scientific approach. Burgess International Group, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Suetta C, Aagaard P, Rosted A, Jakobsen A, Duus B, Kjaer M, Magnusson S (2004) Training-induced changes in muscle CSA, muscle strength, EMG, and rate of force development in elderly subjects after long-term unilateral disuse. J Appl Physiol 97:1954–1961

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson BJ, Ryan ED, Sobolewski EJ, Conchola EC, Cramer JT (2013) Age related differences in maximal and rapid torque characteristics of the leg extensors and flexors in young, middle-aged and old men. Exp Gerontol 48:277–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson BJ, Conchola EC, Palmer TB, Stock MS (2014) Effects of aging on maximal and rapid velocity capacities of the leg extensors. Exp Gerontol 58:128–131

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson BJ et al (2015) Barbell deadlift training increases the rate of torque development and vertical jump performance in novices. J Strength Cond Res 29:1–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorstensson A, Karlsson J (1976) Fatiguability and fibre composition of human skeletal muscle. Acta Physiol Scand 98:318–322

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Cutsem M, Duchateau J, Hainaut K (1998) Changes in single motor unit behaviour contribute to the increase in contraction speed after dynamic training in humans. J Physiol 513:295–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wadden KP, Button DC, Kibele A, Behm DG (2012) Neuromuscular fatigue recovery following rapid and slow stretch-shortening cycle movements. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 37:437–447. https://doi.org/10.1139/h2012-020

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Winchester JB, McBride JM, Maher MA, Mikat RP, Allen BK, Kline DE, McGuigan MR (2008) Eight weeks of ballistic exercise improves power independently of changes in strength and muscle fiber type expression. J Strength Cond Res 22:1728–1734

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Young WB, Bilby GE (1993) The effect of voluntary effort to influence speed. J Strength Cond Res 7:172–178

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Cameron S. Mackey & Jason M. DeFreitas

  2. Applied Physiology and Sports Medicine Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Ryan M. Thiele

  3. Department of Wellness, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA

    Eric C. Conchola

Authors
  1. Cameron S. Mackey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ryan M. Thiele
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eric C. Conchola
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jason M. DeFreitas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Authors whose names appear on the submission have contributed sufficiently to the scientific work and, therefore, share collective responsibility and accountability for the results.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason M. DeFreitas.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mackey, C.S., Thiele, R.M., Conchola, E.C. et al. Comparison of fatigue responses and rapid force characteristics between explosive- and traditional-resistance-trained males. Eur J Appl Physiol 118, 1539–1546 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3883-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3883-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation