The Effect of Rest Interval Length on Multi and Single-Joint Exercise Performance and Perceived Exertion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare repetition performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) with 1-, 3-, or 5-minute rest intervals between sets of multi and single-joint resistance exercises. Fifteen resistance trained men (23.6 ± 2.64 years, 76.46 ± 7.53 kg, 177 ± 6.98 cm, bench press [BP] relative strength: 1.53 ± 0.25 kg·kg(-1) body mass) completed 12 sessions (4 exercises × 3 rest intervals), with each session involving 5 sets with 10 repetition maximum loads for the free weight BP, machine leg press (LP), machine chest fly (MCF), and machine leg extension (LE) exercises with 1-, 3-, 5-minute rest intervals between sets. The results indicated significantly greater BP repetitions with 3 or 5 minutes vs. 1 minute between sets (p ≤ 0.05); no significant difference was evident between the 3- and 5-minute rest conditions. For the other exercises (i.e., LP, MCF, and LE), significant differences were evident between all rest conditions (1 < 3 < 5; p ≤ 0.05). For all exercises, consistent declines in repetition performance (relative to the first set) were observed for all rest conditions, starting with the second set for the 1-minute condition and the third set for the 3- and 5-minute conditions. Furthermore, significant increases in RPE were evident over successive sets for both the multi and single-joint exercises, with significantly greater values for the 1-minute condition. In conclusion, both multi and single-joint exercises exhibited similar repetition performance patterns and RPE, independent of the rest interval length between sets.

Traditional vs daily undulling periodization in strength and local muscle endurance gains on trained men

“…Subjects performed a maximum of 5 attempts during each visit. The warm-up before each test consisted of 2 sets of 12 repetitions at 40% of 1-RM self-related load of the BP exercise (Senna et al, 2011).…”

Effect of Rest Interval Length Between Sets on Total Load Lifted and Blood Lactate Response During Total-Body Resistance Exercise Session

“…In this context, previous studies confirm that longer rest intervals (> 180 seconds) result in a higher number of repetitions performed (6,13,19,22). For instance, Miranda et al (22) observed a lower number of repetitions completed for 60 seconds compared to 180 seconds interset rest intervals when performing 5 upper body resistance exercises at 3 sets of 8RM.…”

“…Among these training variables, evidence has suggested that the rest interval between sets affects various acute responses including metabolic (4,5), hormonal (6-9), cardiovascular (10)(11)(12), neuromuscular and perceived ratings of exertion (13,14). Thus, the rest interval between sets can be considered a key variable for resistance training prescription, since it affects distinct acute responses, which in turn could modulate chronic neuromuscular adaptations (8,15,16).…”

Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantification of the Intensity of Resistance Exercise

“…The RPE during a resistance exercise session is greater for shorter rest intervals than for longer rest intervals [31,51,52].…”

“…The effect of the length of the rest interval on the RPE during a resistance exercise session has been examined [31,51,52]. The RPE during a resistance exercise session is greater for shorter rest intervals than for longer rest intervals [31,51,52].…”