An analysis of the perceived causes leading to task-failure in resistance-exercises

Abstract

Background While reaching task-failure in resistance-exercises is a topic that attracts scientific and applied interest, the underlying perceived reasons leading to task-failure remain underexplored. Here, we examined the reasons subjects attribute to task-failure as they performed resistance-exercises using different loads. Methods Twenty-two resistance-trained subjects (11-females) completed one Repetition-Maximum (RM) tests in the barbell squat and bench-press. Then, in the next two counterbalanced sessions, subjects performed two sets to task-failure in both exercises, using either 70% or 83% of 1RM. Approximately 30 seconds after set-completion, subjects verbally reported the reasons they perceived to have caused them to reach task-failure. Their answers were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. The differences between the frequencies of the identified categories were then tested using a mixed logistic regression model. Results The most commonly reported reason was muscle fatigue (54%, p < 0.001), mostly of the target muscles involved in each exercise. However, remote muscles involved to a lesser extent in each exercise were also reported. Approximately half of the remaining reasons included general fatigue (26%), pain (12%), cardiovascular strain (11%), and negative affect (10%), with the latter three reported more often in the squat (p = 0.022). Conclusions In contrast to our expectations, task-failure was perceived to be caused by a range of limiting factors other than fatigue of the target muscles. It now remains to be establishedwhether different perceived limiting factors of resistance-exercises lead to different adaptations, such as muscular strength and hypertrophy.

The Acute and Chronic Effects of Implementing Velocity Loss Thresholds During Resistance Training: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Critical Evaluation of the Literature

“…More specifically, the rate of increase in both perceptual measures seemed to be consistent for the 10% VL threshold, whereas perceived exertion of the lower limbs increased at a greater rate compared with breathlessness across sets with higher VL thresholds (20 and 30%), although the overall magnitude of both perceptual responses was similar. This finding is somewhat supported by Emanuel et al [92] who reported that the most frequent cause of set termination during sets of back squats to volitional failure was perceived fatigue in the targeted muscles, whereas cardiovascular factors were not as frequent a cause. However, this likely depends on the training background of the individuals.…”

Accuracy in Predicting Repetitions to Task Failure in Resistance Exercise: A Scoping Review and Exploratory Meta-analysis

“…Moreover, it is often assumed that predictions of proximity to task-failure are made based upon either remembered or presently experienced perception of effort [16,51]. However, there is the potential for other salient experiences, such as discomfort, to be conflated with perception of effort and influence one's prediction [52][53][54]. This possibility may explain the general under-prediction found across studies, and also that predictions worsened with lower loads and thus higher repetition ranges.…”

Efeitos do treinamento resistido para falha muscular sobre a fadiga aguda: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

“…Especificamente, este ambiente mais oxidativo foi caracterizado por um aumento na oxidação da proteína carbonilada, aumento do estado oxidativo total e aumento do índice de estresse oxidativo (estado oxidante/estado antioxidante), e não ocorreu associação com os níveis de creatina quinase sanguínea. Entretanto, score da PSE no TRF pode ser causado pela fadiga geral, fadiga muscular, estresse cardiovascular e dor(EMANUEL et al, 2020). Especificamente, outros desfechos avaliados no presente estudo foram associados a PSE em estudos anteriores, como a maior concentração sanguínea de lactato(KRAEMER et al, 1987) e menor potência de saída(HARDEE et al, 2012).…”