Effects of subjective and objective autoregulation methods for intensity and volume on enhancing maximal strength during resistance-training interventions: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Maximal strength is a critical determinant of performance in numerous sports. Autoregulation is a resistance training prescription approach to adjust training variables based on the individuals’ daily fluctuations in performance, which are a result of training-induced fitness and fatigue, together with readiness from daily non-training stressors. Objective This review aimed to summarise the effects of different subjective and objective autoregulation methods for intensity and volume on enhancing maximal strength. Materials and Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted through SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies had to meet the following criteria to be included in the review: (1) estimation of 1-RM or a 1-RM test for both pre-test and post-test to measure progression in strength assessment during the training intervention, (2) a training comparison group, (3) participants were healthy, (4) the article had a detailed description of training intensity, training volume, and training frequency during the training intervention, (5) the training intervention lasted for more than four weeks, (6) studies with objective autoregulation methods utilised a validated measuring tool to monitor velocity, (7) English-language studies. Results Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 30 training groups and 356 participants. Effect size and percentage differences were calculated for 13 out of 14 studies to compare the effects of different training interventions. All autoregulation training protocols resulted in an increase in 1-RM, from small ES to large ES. Conclusion Overall, our findings suggest that using both subjective autoregulation methods for intensity, such as repetitions in reserve rating of perceived exertion and flexible daily undulation periodisation, together with objective autoregulation methods for autoregulation intensity and volume, such as velocity targets and velocity loss, could be effective methods for enhancing maximal strength. It is speculated that this is because the implementation of autoregulation into a periodised plan may take into account the athletes’ daily fluctuations, such as fluctuations in fitness, fatigue, and readiness to train. When training with a validated measuring tool to monitor velocity, this may provide objective augmented intra- and interset feedback during the resistance exercise who could be beneficial for increasing maximal strength. Coaches, practitioners, and athletes are encouraged to implement such autoregulation methods into a periodised plan when the goal is to enhance maximal strength.

The Effect of Load and Volume Autoregulation on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Autoregulation may be defined as a two-step process of measurement and adjustment based on an individual’s acute and chronic fluctuations in performance (i.e., strength), in which performance is comprised of the sum of training (fitness and fatigue) and non-training (readiness) related factors [ 6 ]. The two predominant autoregulatory methods involve the systematic manipulation of load and volume via subjective and/or objective strategies [ 9 ]. Specifically, subjective load autoregulation involves implementing the repetitions in reserve-based rating of perceived exertion scale (RIR-based RPE scale) in an attempt to quantify proximity to failure, which is commonly referred to as RPE-based training [ 10 ].…”

Effects of Stance Width and Barbell Placement on Kinematics, Kinetics, and Myoelectric Activity in Back Squats

“…The squat protocol was as follows: four repetitions with 40% of the lowest obtained familiarization 3-RM, three repetitions with 55% of the lowest obtained familiarization 3-RM, followed by three repetitions with 70% of the lowest obtained familiarization 3-RM. The first test set started at the lowest familiarization 3-RM to ensure that the participants did not fail due to fluctuations in daily readiness and strength (Greig et al, 2020 ; Larsen et al, 2021a ). Thereafter, the load was increased from 1 to 10 kg based on the proximity to the mean concentric barbell velocity for the specific squat condition achieved in the familiarization session, or if the participant failed the third repetition.…”

Postoperative Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Following Multiligament Knee Reconstruction

“…Subjective ratings of perceived exertion and repetitions in reserve following a set as well as velocity-based training methods have shown to be useful to tailor workout intensity per recovery between sets. 61,62 This type of training allows for real-time load adjustments to achieve the resistance necessary to attain maximum effort. 61,62 Strict adherence to a traditional preplanned periodization model may be less important 63 than more precisely manipulating load to approach muscular failure within an exercise.…”

“…61,62 This type of training allows for real-time load adjustments to achieve the resistance necessary to attain maximum effort. 61,62 Strict adherence to a traditional preplanned periodization model may be less important 63 than more precisely manipulating load to approach muscular failure within an exercise. 64,65…”