Using velocity loss for monitoring resistance training effort in a real-world setting

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in movement velocity during resistance training with different loads while the trainees attempted to move the load at a predetermined repetition duration. Twenty-one resistance-trained men (age: 25.7 ± 5 years; height: 177.0 ± 7.2 cm; mass: 85.4 ± 13.56 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants performed 2 test sessions. The first to determine 1-repetition maximum (1RM) load, and the second to evaluate velocity loss during a set to failure performed at 75% and 50% of 1RM using a 2-s concentric and 2-s eccentric repetition duration, controlled by a mobile app metronome. When using 75% 1RM there was a significant loss of movement velocity between the antepenultimate and the penultimate repetition (5.33%, p < 0.05), as well as during the penultimate and the last (22.11%, p < 0.05). At 50% of 1RM the participants performed the set until momentary failure without significant velocity loss. Monitoring velocity loss during high-load resistance training through simple methods can be an important tool for standardize the intensity of effort employed during submaximal training. This can be useful in clinical conditions where maximum exertions are contraindicated or when specific logistics are lacking.

“NO LOAD” Resistance Training Promotes High Levels of Knee Extensor Muscles Activation—A Pilot Study

“…Our findings are in agreement with previous studies that reported high levels of muscle activation during no load resistance training [ 21 , 27 ] for the arm muscles in many different situations. Counts et al [ 20 ] reported high levels of biceps brachii muscle activation during NL-VF in untrained men and women.…”

“…This study also analyzed both peak and mean EMG activity; however, it did not compare muscle activation between TRT and no load resistance training. Considering that both studies [ 21 , 27 ] involved upper limb exercises, the present results extend the observation to lower body muscles and brings information for the possible use of no load resistance training to other body parts.…”

“…The concentric and eccentric phase of each repetition was controlled with the support of a metronome and lasted 2 s each. Verbal encouragement was provided during all tests and the test was interrupted when the participant was not able to follow the determined cadence [ 27 ].…”

“…One important step before proceeding to long-term studies is to analyze the acute effects of the interventions in a pilot study, so researchers can have more consistent information to perform future studies and evaluate their rationale and methodological aspects. The positive results obtained from resistance training with no external load might be associated with the high level of effort employed, reflected by the high levels of muscle activation [ 21 , 27 ]. Therefore, the analysis of this acute response might be important to get insights about its effects and provide rationale for long-term studies.…”

Reliability of technologies to measure the barbell velocity: Implications for monitoring resistance training

“…The VBT has important practical implications for the design and implementation of individual training plans. On one hand, coaches are provided with quantitative outcomes that can be used for multiple purposes, such as training autoregulation through the warm-up loads' velocity assessment [2,4,5], determination of individualised load-velocity profiles [6] and the real-time neuromuscular fatigue monitoring [4,7]. On the other hand, practitioners receive instantaneous performance feedback about the actual velocity developed during each lift, which has been shown to produce greater adaptation and larger training effects [8].…”