Toward a New Paradigm in Resistance Training by Means of Velocity Monitoring: A Critical and Challenging Narrative

Abstract

For more than a century, many concepts and several theories and principles pertaining to the goals, organization, methodology and evaluation of the effects of resistance training (RT) have been developed and discussed between coaches and scientists. This cumulative body of knowledge and practices has contributed substantially to the evolution of RT methodology. However, a detailed and rigorous examination of the existing literature reveals many inconsistencies that, unless resolved, could seriously hinder further progress in our field. The purpose of this review is to constructively expose, analyze and discuss a set of anomalies present in the current RT methodology, including: (a) the often inappropriate and misleading terminology used, (b) the need to clarify the aims of RT, (c) the very concept of maximal strength, (d) the control and monitoring of the resistance exercise dose, (e) the existing programming models and (f) the evaluation of training effects. A thorough and unbiased examination of these deficiencies could well lead to the adoption of a revised paradigm for RT. This new paradigm must guarantee a precise knowledge of the loads being applied, the effort they involve and their effects. To the best of our knowledge, currently this can only be achieved by monitoring repetition velocity during training. The main contribution of a velocity-based RT approach is that it provides the necessary information to know the actual training loads that induce a specific effect in each athlete. The correct adoption of this revised paradigm will provide coaches and strength and conditioning professionals with accurate and objective information concerning the applied load (relative load, level of effort and training effect). This knowledge is essential to make rational and informed decisions and to improve the training methodology itself.

Validity and Reliability of Inertial Measurement System for Linear Movement Velocity in Flywheel Squat Exercise

“…This differentiation is usually performed by software prediction, which may lead to estimation errors (normally underestimating the concentric velocity). Moreover, in flywheel exercises performed with a load lower than 78% 1RM [ 5 ], rotary encoders will likely assign part of the concentric phase to the eccentric one, since participants usually stop applying force before completing the concentric contraction to avoid jumping, which may lead to erroneous estimates when controlling training load [ 2 ]. For all these reasons, it is necessary to validate a measurement instrument that can adequately differentiate between the concentric and eccentric phases during flywheel exercise, and thus can accurately quantify concentric linear velocity.…”

“…Velocity-based training (VBT) uses movement velocity to guide the prescription of training load during resistance exercise [ 1 , 2 ]. The use of this method of load prescription has been suggested to result in greater improvements in muscular strength and power through a more accurate intensity prescription in comparison to traditional methods based on the percentage of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) [ 3 ].…”

Resistance Training is Medicine: Stay Active and Reap the Reward, Live in your Life!

“…RT, also known as weight training or strength training, is a physical activity to improve neuromuscular and musculoskeletal fitness and physical performance by training muscles or a group of muscles, which is done by resisting weights from the outside [1,3,4]. External load can be in form of disc, barbells, dumbbells, and resistance bands.…”

“…The first question that arises is "What is the main purpose of doing this RT activity as the chosen type of sport instead of doing other types of exercises?" It has been proven by many studies and articles that RT can produce a state of muscle hypertrophy [3][4][5][6] and produce additional muscle endurance, muscle strength, maximum strength, muscle explosion, and power [4,7,8]. In addition to the ability of RT to create muscle hypertrophy, it is also able to create functional additions to the body, besides only the esthetic function of body shape, which we will learn more about in the next chapter.…”

“…RT is also expected to be applied not only to healthy individuals but also to individuals with certain health conditions. Suchomel et al, 2018 [9] also DeWeese et al, 2015 [10] remind us that: 1) it is necessary to pay attention to the selection of exercises to produce a balance between determining and using the weight of the load as well as its preparations to achieve the specified goals, 2) management of fatigue begins from anticipating the possibility of overtraining to carrying out rest procedures, and 3) it is necessary to pay attention to the right stages and timing to produce good performance [3,9,10].…”