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Movement Velocity in Resistance Training

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Abstract

Guidelines for resistance training include the number of exercises, sets, repetitions, and frequency of training, but only vaguely mention movement velocity. Nevertheless, different velocities imply different performances, i.e. a different number of repetitions or different loads. Studies investigating the effect of different movement velocities on resistance training have not reached a consensus. Some studies indicate specificity in strength gains while others indicate generality. Some indicate slow training to be better, others indicate fast training, and still others indicate no differences. Most of these studies were conducted on isokinetic or hydraulic equipment. Very few used isotonic equipment for training, and their results seem to tend towards generality and no differences in gains of strength between velocities. Defining the training velocity is mostly important for athletic performances where a wide range of velocities is needed and transfer of gains would greatly optimise training. At the other end of the spectrum, there are the most frail and elderly, to whom power loss may impair even daily functions, but training with fast velocities might increase injury risk and, therefore, transfer of gains from slow training would be greatly beneficial. Movement velocity for resistance training with isotonic equipment needs to be further investigated so that recommendations may be made.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES), Ministry of Education, Brazil, for their financial support to the first author. The authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health and Graduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Marta I. R. Pereira &  Paulo S. C. Gomes

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Correspondence to Paulo S. C. Gomes.

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Pereira, M.I.R., Gomes, P.S.C. Movement Velocity in Resistance Training. Sports Med 33, 427–438 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333060-00004

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