The Effect of Single Versus Multiple Sets on Strength

Single- Versus Three-Set Resistance Training on Strength and Power Among Untrained Men

“…This finding suggested multipleset resistance training is better for increasing strength for older women. The contradicting findings of the present study with the study by Kelly et al [24] and Kemmler et al [25] can be attributed to the methodology used in these studies. The participants in the present study were subjected to a total body workout, whereas the participants in the study by Kelly et al [24] were only trained in isokinetic knee extensions.…”

“…The contradicting findings of the present study with the study by Kelly et al [24] and Kemmler et al [25] can be attributed to the methodology used in these studies. The participants in the present study were subjected to a total body workout, whereas the participants in the study by Kelly et al [24] were only trained in isokinetic knee extensions. The participants used in the present study were untrained men compared with the study by Kemmler et al [25] which recruited untrained women.…”

“…Further supporting the effectiveness of multiple set was a study by Kelly et al [24] which concluded that performing 3 sets of isokinetic knee extensions was more effective than performing a single set for increasing peak torque.…”

Physiological Implications of Two versus Three Sets in the Development of Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Untrained Men

“…The primary rationale for this exclusion is that in Berger's seminal work comparing one, two, and three sets of exercise it was concluded that one and two sets of exercise is not as effective as three sets [1]. So it is common that single sets are compared to larger multiples of sets [34,35]. Our study is similar to that of Berger in that our findings were that three sets are superior to two sets.…”

Effects of different methods of antagonist muscles pre-activation on knee extensors neuromuscular responses

“…The decrease rates of RC and SS found in the last two sets (5% and 14%; 7% and 22%, respectively) showed that the work generated by two categories of resistance exercise in controlled conditions of speed, intensity and sets may impose important outcomes in training. Such findings points to the practical implications highlighted by Munn et al 28 and Kelly et al 29 , who argued that increases in work capacity can determine important strength gains during resistance exercise. Exercise programs should be dynamic to induce physiological responses and performance gains, and research should incorporate other variables and not just the effects of simple and multiple sets 30 , aspect much discussed in the literature [28][29][30][31][32] .…”