Effects of Different Volume-Equated Resistance Training Loading Strategies on Muscular Adaptations in Well-Trained Men

TLDR

Regimented resistance training increases skeletal muscle mass, yet the optimal combination of variables for maximal hypertrophy remains unclear due to the specificity principle. The study investigated muscular adaptations to a volume‑equated bodybuilding‑type training program versus a powerlifting‑type routine in well‑trained men. Seventeen well‑trained men were randomly assigned to a hypertrophy‑type group (3 sets of 10RM, 90‑s rest) or a strength‑type group (7 sets of 3RM, 3‑min rest) over 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, both programs produced similar increases in muscle size, but the strength‑type program yielded greater 1RM bench press strength and a trend toward greater squat strength.

Abstract

Schoenfeld, BJ, Ratamess, NA, Peterson, MD, Contreras, B, Sonmez, GT, and Alvar, BA. Effects of different volume-equated resistance training loading strategies on muscular adaptations in well-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 28(10): 2909–2918, 2014—Regimented resistance training has been shown to promote marked increases in skeletal muscle mass. Although muscle hypertrophy can be attained through a wide range of resistance training programs, the principle of specificity, which states that adaptations are specific to the nature of the applied stimulus, dictates that some programs will promote greater hypertrophy than others. Research is lacking, however, as to the best combination of variables required to maximize hypertophic gains. The purpose of this study was to investigate muscular adaptations to a volume-equated bodybuilding-type training program vs. a powerlifting-type routine in well-trained subjects. Seventeen young men were randomly assigned to either a hypertrophy-type resistance training group that performed 3 sets of 10 repetition maximum (RM) with 90 seconds rest or a strength-type resistance training (ST) group that performed 7 sets of 3RM with a 3-minute rest interval. After 8 weeks, no significant differences were noted in muscle thickness of the biceps brachii. Significant strength differences were found in favor of ST for the 1RM bench press, and a trend was found for greater increases in the 1RM squat. In conclusion, this study showed that both bodybuilding- and powerlifting-type training promote similar increases in muscular size, but powerlifting-type training is superior for enhancing maximal strength.