Training Leading to Repetition Failure Enhances Bench Press Strength Gains in Elite Junior Athletes

Drinkwater, Eric J.; Lawton, Trent W.; LINDSELL, ROD P.; Pyne, David B.; HUNT, PATRICK H.; McKenna, Michael J.

doi:10.1519/00124278-200505000-00024

Cited by 29 publications

(60 citation statements)

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“…These studies do show that exercises such as TEX and unrestrained seated TEX machines show significant fatigue occurs in the lumbar extensors, but that it also occurs in the hip extensors44 46 47 49 60 61 and potentially lower thoracic extensors 61. Training to momentary muscular failure is supported as an optimal stimulus for muscular conditioning81––83 as this allows maximal voluntary recruitment of targeted musculature (∼85–100%84). Despite load sharing of the hip extensors45 46 and lower thoracic extensors61 and derecruitment of the lumbar extensors during TEX to failure, in some exercises they may achieve around >85% of maximal voluntary activation (particularly TEX,59 deadlifts and squats,65––67 hip extension or TEX based floor exercises71 72 and TEX as well as ILEX based extension machines27 77) and a significant degree of fatigue44 46 47 49 60 61 which suggests the potential for adaptations may indeed exist through these exercises.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors

2013

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Numerous exercise approaches have been designed with the intention of conditioning the lumbar extensors. Those examined appear to activate the lumbar extensors; however, the specificity of many of these exercises for producing chronic adaptations may be questionable, potentially due to the compound nature of them allowing involvement of other musculature such as the hip extensors. Many of the reviewed exercises offer potential to condition the lumbar extensors, however, isolation of lumbar extension through appropriate pelvic restraint appears important for optimising specific adaptations in the lumbar extensors.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors

2013

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“…Few studies have isolated the effects of training leading to repetition failure using a multigroup experimental design, while controlling other variables, in resistance-trained individuals (3,6,24,32,33). These studies have shown that shortterm training (Ͻ9 wk) leading to repetition failure produces greater improvements in strength (3,32) or may not be necessary for optimal strength gains (6, 32-33) when compared with a nontraining to repetition failure approach.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These studies have shown that shortterm training (Ͻ9 wk) leading to repetition failure produces greater improvements in strength (3,32) or may not be necessary for optimal strength gains (6, 32-33) when compared with a nontraining to repetition failure approach. The discrepancies between the results of these studies may in part result from differences with respect to the volume and intensity of training, dependent variable selection, the pretraining physical fitness status, and muscle groups tested.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, training leading to repetition failure (inability to complete a repetition in a full range of motion due to fatigue) has been of interest within the strength and conditioning profession. The primary role of training leading to repetition failure has been related to increased motor unit activation (3,32) and high mechanical stress with its associated gene expression and damage and repair muscle process (11). However, some studies conclude that training to failure may not be necessary for optimal strength gains, because fatigue reduces the force that a muscle can generate (6,24,33).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Thus it may not be feasible to compare training programs using isokinetic or isometric singlejoint training and testing devices (6,32) with programs using dynamic multiple-joint free weight exercises (e.g., squat or bench press) (3,24,33) or athletic movements (e.g., jumping performance or bench throw power) (3,33). In addition, the majority of studies used untrained subjects (6,32) with nonequated intensity and/or volume of training (24, 33) during short-term periods (e.g., 6 -9 wk) (3,6,(32)(33). Therefore, we hypothesized that a training approach not leading to repetition failure that equates volume and intensity would lead to similar gains in maximal strength.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Differential effects of strength training leading to failure versus not to failure on hormonal responses, strength, and muscle power gains

Izquierdo¹,

Ibáñez²,

González-Badillo³

et al. 2006

Journal of Applied Physiology

262

194

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The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of 11 wk of resistance training to failure vs. nonfailure, followed by an identical 5-wk peaking period of maximal strength and power training for both groups as well as to examine the underlying physiological changes in basal circulating anabolic and catabolic hormones. Forty-two physically active men were matched and then randomly assigned to either a training to failure (RF; n = 14), nonfailure (NRF; n = 15), or control groups (C; n = 13). Muscular and power testing and blood draws to determine basal hormonal concentrations were conducted before the initiation of training (T0), after 6 wk of training (T1), after 11 wk of training (T2), and after 16 wk of training (T3). Both RF and NRF resulted in similar gains in 1-repetition maximum bench press (23 and 23%) and parallel squat (22 and 23%), muscle power output of the arm (27 and 28%) and leg extensor muscles (26 and 29%), and maximal number of repetitions performed during parallel squat (66 and 69%). RF group experienced larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press. The peaking phase (T2 to T3) after NRF resulted in larger gains in muscle power output of the lower extremities, whereas after RF it resulted in larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press. Strength training leading to RF resulted in reductions in resting concentrations of IGF-1 and elevations in IGFBP-3, whereas NRF resulted in reduced resting cortisol concentrations and an elevation in resting serum total testosterone concentration. This investigation demonstrated a potential beneficial stimulus of NRF for improving strength and power, especially during the subsequent peaking training period, whereas performing sets to failure resulted in greater gains in local muscular endurance. Elevation in IGFBP-3 after resistance training may have been compensatory to accommodate the reduction in IGF-1 to preserve IGF availability.

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Clarity in reporting terminology and definitions of set endpoints in resistance training

et al. 2017

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Previous resistance training (RT) recommendations and position stands have addressed variables that can be manipulated when producing RT interventions. However, 1 variable that has received little discussion is set endpoints (i.e., the endpoint of a set of repetitions). Set endpoints in RT are often considered to be proximity to momentary failure and are thought to be a primary variable determining effort in RT. Further, there has been ambiguity in the use and definition of terminology that has created issues in interpretation of research findings. The purpose of this paper was to: (1) provide an overview of the ambiguity in historical terminology around set endpoints; (2) propose a clearer set of definitions related to set endpoints; and (3) highlight the issues created by poor terminology and definitions. It is hoped this may permit greater clarity in reporting, interpretation, and application of RT interventions for researchers and practitioners. Muscle Nerve 56: 368-374, 2017.

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Training Leading to Repetition Failure Enhances Bench Press Strength Gains in Elite Junior Athletes

Cited by 29 publications

References 0 publications

A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors

A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors

Differential effects of strength training leading to failure versus not to failure on hormonal responses, strength, and muscle power gains

Clarity in reporting terminology and definitions of set endpoints in resistance training

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