The effects of 4 rm and 10 rm weight training protocols on strength, cross-sectional area, and specific tension in untrained males
Date
1995
Authors
Chestnut, James Lloyd
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the strength, cross-sectional area, specific tension, and anthropometric changes elicited by 4 RM and 10 RM weight training protocols in untrained subjects. 24 males (age 24.2 +/- 1.76 [S.D.] yr, weight 80.4 +/- 13.89 [S.D.] kg) volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to either the strength group (4 RM), the hypertrophy group (10 RM), or the control group (CG). Training was performed 3 times per week for 10 weeks using free weights to exercise the forearm extensors and flexors. The 4 RM group performed 6 sets of 4 repetitions (reps) to failure, the 10 RM group performed 3 sets of 10 reps to failure, and CG did not train. Strength (1 RM and% increase at training repetition number) was measured at 0, 6, and 10 weeks. Muscle cross-sectional area (magnetic resonance imagery), specific tension (kg/cm2), relaxed and flexed girth (circumference), and sum of skinfolds (bicep and tricep) of the arm were measured at 0 and 10 weeks. There was no change in any of the dependent variables in the control group during the 10 week period of the study. Significant (p<0.05) increases in both forearm extensor and flexor 1 RM strength, % strength at training repetition number, muscle cross-sectional area, specific tension, and flexed girth occurred in both 4 RM and 10 RM groups. There were no differences between the two groups. No changes in relaxed girth or sum of skinfolds occurred in either group. The 4 RM and 10 RM loading intensities elicited significant and equal increases in strength, cross-sectional area, specific tension, and flexed girth. These results suggest that 4 RM and 10 RM weight training protocols produce similar neuromuscular adaptations in previously untrained subjects.