Are More Fatiguing Stimuli Beneficial or Detrimental to Resistance Training Goals? The Role of Fatigue in the Development of Muscular Performance and Hypertrophy?

Abstract

In this thesis, data concerning muscular fatigue state and intentional movement velocity during resistance training on muscular strength development is independently reviewed systematically and statistically. The original investigations assessed how alterations in set-structure, with training volume-load controlled, affects the development of movement velocity, power output and muscular strength in chapter 5; muscular hypertrophy, local muscular endurance the time course of muscular strength development in chapter 6; and how these outcomes are impacted when cluster-set structures are utilised to increase training volume in chapter 7. Changes in training session performance and perceived exertion were also assessed to ascertain if there was a mismatch between the acute response and chronic adaptation. Findings from this thesis indicate that training to concentric muscular failure does not lead to superior muscular strength development. Manipulation of movement velocity during training also does not appear to influence muscular strength development. For the original investigations specialising in the bench press, the implementation of cluster-set structures with high relative loads (%1RM) did not lead to significantly greater power outputs and velocities compared to traditional-set structures. This was despite significantly different acute responses and similar improvements in muscular strength. Secondly, muscular hypertrophy appears to be developed to a greater extent across the entire muscle compared to cluster-set structures with no significant differences in muscular endurance. Increasing training volume using the cluster-set structure similar adaptations in muscular strength and power output compared to the lower volume traditional-set structure. Overall, the conclusions of this thesis indicate that when sets are performed close to failure, there is no additional stimulus in improving muscular performance, but this may influence hypertrophy of the working muscles.