Partial Compared with Full Range of Motion Resistance Training for Muscle Hypertrophy: A Brief Review and an Identification of Potential Mechanisms

Abstract

Newmire, DE and Willoughby, DS. Partial compared to full range of motion resistance training for muscle hypertrophy: A brief review and an identification of potential mechanisms. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2661-2673, 2018-Resistance training promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy; there are specific recommendations of intensity, volume, and duration that appear to facilitate hypertrophy the greatest. However, currently, there is not a definitive consensus on optimal range of motion. It appears that the partial range of motion (pROM) mode of exercise may have some similar benefit on muscle hypertrophy as the conventional full range of motion (fROM). Because of the dynamic and multiplanar movement pattern of a multijoint resistance exercise, there may be variation in human force-length and strength-curve theories, which may influence optimal muscle force production at differing portions of a fROM. This suggests specific muscle groups may potentially be optimally recruited during a specific portion of the exercise. The majority of previous research has primarily focused on strength outcomes opposed to muscle hypertrophy. The purpose of this brief review is to highlight the limited and relative pROM literature on muscle hypertrophy and some potential pROM mechanisms that require investigation to assess any plausible relationships. Some potential mechanisms and outcomes of interest are muscle time under tension, muscle activation, and nonuniform hypertrophy. This mode of resistance exercise requires further evaluation on hypertrophic responses; if proven efficacious, it may be employed to those in rehabilitative environments and those that seek more specific regional, local hypertrophic responses such as physique competitors.

Partial range of motion and muscle hypertrophy: not all ROMs lead to Rome

“…In summary, while investigations often report greater hypertrophy of fROM training when compared to pROM at short muscle lengths, 2,4,5,7,13 this superiority disappears when the comparison is made between pROM at longer muscle lengths versus fROM; in some cases, the pROM training at longer muscle lengths is actually more effective than the fROM, at least in certain muscles of the lower limbs. 7 Therefore, it is necessary to consider the joint angle in which the pROM is performed-that is, at a shorter or longer muscle length-when comparing changes in muscle size.…”

Effects of Low-Speed and High-Speed Resistance Training Programs on Frailty Status, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Blood Pressure in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults

“…Another possible explanation for our results is based on the fact that most frail participants had reduced joint ROM due to high prevalence of lower limb osteoarthritis and the long-time using wheelchairs and mobility aids. The length-tension curve relationship states that exercises performed at optimal muscle length evokes greater myosin and actin interaction, and so strength ( 104 ), while exercises performed at partial ROM commonly produce less neuromuscular adaptations, restricted to the specific ROM in which muscle contractions occurred ( 105 ). Considering that sit-to-stand performance involves total knee and hip extensions, older adults with joint limitations might have performed exercises with reduced ROM, limiting the development of muscle strength and mainly power.…”

Acute Effects of Partial Range of Motion Resistance Training and Increases in Blood Lactate Impact Accuracy of Penalty Kicks in Soccer Players

“…Further research is needed to observe and elaborate possible implementation of pROM vs. fROM resistance training exercises over a longer period of time and the impact both may have on executing complex sports-specific skills such as the soccer penalty kick. Research supports that pROM exercises can be performed to develop muscular strength and hypertrophy at the end of a technical skill development training session, due to the accumulation of hydrogen ions caused by metabolic stress [ 32 ]. Some potential mechanisms and outcomes of interest are muscle time under tension and muscle activation [ 21 ].…”