Traditional sets versus rest-redistribution: a laboratory-controlled study of a specific cluster set configuration at fast and slow velocities

Abstract

This study investigated redistributing long inter-set rest intervals into shorter but more frequent intervals at 2 different concentric velocities. Resistance-trained men performed 4 randomised isokinetic unilateral knee extension protocols, 2 at 60°·s−1 and 2 at 360°·s−1. At each speed, subjects performed 40 repetitions with 285 s of rest using traditional sets (TS; 4 sets of 10 with 95 s of inter-set rest) and rest-redistribution (RR; 20 sets of 2 with 15 s inter-set rest). Before and at 2, 5, and 10 min after exercise, tensiomyography (TMG) and oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy; NIRS) were measured. NIRS was also measured during exercise, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after every 10 repetitions. At both speeds, RR displayed greater peak torque, total work, and power output during latter repetitions, but there were no differences between TS or RR when averaging all 40 repetitions. The RPE was less during RR at both speeds (p < 0.05). RR increased select muscle oxygen saturation and blood flow at both speeds. There were no effects of protocol on TMG, but effect sizes favoured a quicker recovery after RR. RR was likely beneficial in maintaining performance compared with the latter parts of TS sets and limiting perceived and peripheral fatigue. Novelty Although effective at slow velocities, rest-redistribution was likely more effective during high-velocity movements in this study. Rest-redistribution maintained the ability to produce force throughout an entire range of motion. Rest-redistribution reduced RPE during both high-velocity and high-force movements.

Acute responses of muscle oxygen saturation during different cluster training configurations in resistance-trained individuals

“…In addition, no significant differences in SmO 2 (both mean and lower values) were observed between TT and CLs. However, Tufano et al [ 31 ] observed higher values of tHB and SmO 2 in the rest-redistribution protocol compared with the traditional protocol. The authors concluded that the frequent concentric muscle actions that occur during this protocol increased the mechanical pumping to facilitate venous return and replenish PCr stores.…”

“…In relation to this, the measure of the muscle oxygen saturation (SmO 2 ) can provide real-time fatigue feedback on the relationship between oxygen consumption in the muscle and oxygen supply to the muscle [ 26 ]. Although different investigations have measured SmO 2 during resistance training [ 27 – 30 ], only one investigation has reported SmO 2 values comparing different set configurations [ 31 ]. In this, Tufano et al [ 31 ] reported that the restredistribution protocol applied (20 sets of 2 repetitions with 15 s inter-set rest) resulted in significantly greater total haemoglobin concentration (tHB) and SmO 2 values than TT (4 sets of 10 repetitions with 95 s inter-set rest).…”

“…Although different investigations have measured SmO 2 during resistance training [ 27 – 30 ], only one investigation has reported SmO 2 values comparing different set configurations [ 31 ]. In this, Tufano et al [ 31 ] reported that the restredistribution protocol applied (20 sets of 2 repetitions with 15 s inter-set rest) resulted in significantly greater total haemoglobin concentration (tHB) and SmO 2 values than TT (4 sets of 10 repetitions with 95 s inter-set rest). However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous research has studied the influence of cluster training on upper-body SmO 2 .…”

Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training

“…This technique allows the assessment of the changes in muscle contractile properties induced by fatigue after training sessions (4,31,32). Despite evidence indicating TMG as a valid and reproducible tool to screen adjustments in skeletal muscle contractile characteristics (23), to the best of our knowledge, only one study has analyzed the acute effects on TMG outcomes after different set configurations (38). These authors compared 4 isokinetic unilateral knee extension protocols, 2 different set configurations (4 3 10 with 95 seconds of interset rest vs. 20 3 2 with 15 seconds of interset rest) at 2 different velocities (60 vs. 360°•s 21 ), reporting similar postexercise TMG parameter patterns for all protocols (38).…”

Comparison of Traditional and Rest-Redistribution Sets on Indirect Markers of Muscle Damage Following Eccentric Exercise

“…In the current study, the effect sizes immediately after exercise were negligible between protocols. Yet, another study showed that the use of RR during concentric isokinetic knee extensions resulted in faster recovery of the D M and T C up to 10 minutes after exercise (40). In addition, according to effect sizes in this study, the nonsignificant decreases in vastus lateralis D M at 24 and 48 hours and T C at 24 hours were large for RR compared to small to moderate effects noted after TS (Table 2).…”