Effects of range of motion on muscle development during resistance training interventions: A systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature as to the effects of performing exercise with a full versus partial range of motion (ROM) during dynamic, longitudinal resistance training (RT) programs on changes in muscle hypertrophy. Based on the available literature, we aimed to draw evidence-based recommendations for RT prescription. Six studies were identified as meeting inclusion criteria: four of these studies involved RT for the lower limbs while the other two focused on the upper extremities. The total combined sample of the studies was n = 135, which comprised 127 men and 8 women. The methodological quality of all included studies was deemed to be “excellent” based on the modified PEDro scale. When assessing the current body of literature, it can be inferred that performing RT through a full ROM confers beneficial effects on hypertrophy of the lower body musculature versus training with a partial ROM. Alternatively, research on the effects of ROM for the upper limbs is limited and conflicting, precluding the ability to draw strong practical inferences. No study to date has investigated how ROM influences muscle growth of the trunk musculature. Finally, some evidence indicates that the response to variations in ROM may be muscle-specific; however, this hypothesis also warrants further study.

Can the Cambered Bar Enhance Acute Performance in the Bench Press Exercise?

“…One of the basic differentiating factors during the bench press exercise with the CB and SB is the ROM. Previous studies showed that changes in the ROM impact on acute responses as well as chronic adaptive changes (Bloomquist et al, 2013;Pallarés et al, 2020;Schoenfeld and Grgic, 2020). The changes in the ROM during long-term resistance training impact movement velocity and power output, as well as the utilization of elastic energy derived in the stretch -shortening cycle (Martínez-Cava et al, 2019a;Pallarés et al, 2020).…”

A Comparison of Muscle Activity Between the Cambered and Standard Bar During the Bench Press Exercise

“…Resistance training is a common form of exercise for athletes and physically active people. A large and growing body of research has investigated the influence of the range of motion (ROM) during different resistance exercises and the specific neuromuscular adaptations they induce (Hartmann et al, 2012;Bloomquist et al, 2013;Martínez-Cava et al, 2019;Pallarés et al, 2020;Schoenfeld and Grgic, 2020). The available research has analyzed the effects of full (allowed by the standard barbell) or partial ROM during the bench press (BP) exercise on acute (Krzysztofik et al, 2020) as well as chronic changes in performance (Martínez-Cava et al, 2019).…”

“…The available research has analyzed the effects of full (allowed by the standard barbell) or partial ROM during the bench press (BP) exercise on acute (Krzysztofik et al, 2020) as well as chronic changes in performance (Martínez-Cava et al, 2019). Moreover, the manipulation of the ROM during resistance exercises is a strategy commonly used among strength-trained athletes according to the principle of specificity (Schoenfeld and Grgic, 2020). However, recent evidence indicates that performing resistance exercises with a full ROM provides a greater stimulus, and leads to greater performance improvements in comparison to lifting with a limited ROM (Hartmann et al, 2012;Bloomquist et al, 2013;Martínez-Cava et al, 2019;Pallarés et al, 2020).…”

WITHDRAWN: Predictive potentials of 8 muscle strength actions, KOOS-pain, and Örebro-psychosocial difficulties on self-reported activities-of-daily-life function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: an exploratory regression-based cross-sectional study

“…Strength is defined as the maximum force or torque a muscle or muscle-group can produce given a specific predetermined velocity (13)(14)(15). Therein, task-specific conditions, such as the speed and type of contraction and the length of the muscle during contraction, all codetermine the torque generated (14,16,17). The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exemplifies strength as a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat (16).…”