Acute Effects of Different Number of Sets on Peak Force and Physical Performance After a RT Session in Recreational-Trained Subjects

The scientific literature is not clear regarding the acute responses in a resistance training session after different number of sets in recreationally-trained subjects. Additionally, it is not clear if a high number of sets could represent a detrimental effect in performance. The primary purpose of this study was to measure the acute effects on maximal force and physical performance after different number of sets in a RT session in recreationally-trained subjects. The subjects in the study were primarily recruited by classroom announcements, social media, and word of mouth. The subjects included are from a sample of 15 healthy, well-trained males in resistance training between the ages of 18-30, with at least one year of prior resistance training experience, familiar with the bicep curl exercise, and currently active in strength training at least three times a week. The procedure of the study included three sessions. The first was a familiarization session to complete all health history questionnaires, determine anthropometric measurements, and the 10RM for each upper body limb in performing the unilateral bicep curl. The second and third session were the resistance training sessions in which pretest measurements for peak force were measured as well as Post0, Post15, and Post30 minutes. All subjects completed 4, 8, 12, and 16 sets of the unilateral bicep curl with 2 minutes of rest between sets using their predetermined 10RM. The sequence varied as it was randomized, and only two protocols were performed in the first session, one for each arm. The third session consisted of the other two protocols that were not previously done in session 2 to be completed, one for each arm. In summary, there were different acute responses from completing different number of sets in a resistance training session. There were significant reductions in peak force, maximum number of repetitions per sets, and total number of repetitions between groups in pretest x posttest measurements. There were significant differences in time under tension between sets for each condition. A significant difference was demonstrated in sRPE in G4 and G16. The volume and the contribution of the accumulation of neuromuscular fatigue contributed to differences among acute responses.