Training Monitoring for Resistance Exercise: Theory and Applications

Abstract

Key Points• To quantify resistance exercise, it is important to understand the numerous factors contributing to the overall intensity of training, rather than simply the relative load being lifted.• Methods to monitor the external volume load, perceptual training intensity, subjective wellness, and physical performance during resistance exercise all appear useful methods for monitoring resistance training.• Strength coaches should identify which monitoring tools are applicable and viable for their athletes, and should take an integrative approach to resistance training monitoring to help inform their practice.3 AbstractResistance exercise is difficult to quantify due to its inherent complexity with numerous training variables contributing to the training dose (type of exercise, load lifted, training volume, inter-set rest periods and repetition velocity). In addition, the intensity of resistance training is often inadequately determined as the relative load lifted (% 1-repetition maximum), which does not account for the effects of inter-set recovery periods, repetition velocity, or the number of repetitions performed in each set at a given load. Methods to calculate the volume load associated with resistance training, as well as the perceived intensity of individual sets and entire training sessions have been shown to provide useful information regarding the actual training stimulus. In addition, questionnaires to subjectively assess how athletes are coping with the stressors of training and portable technologies to quantify performance variables such as concentric velocity may also be valuable. However, while several methods have been proposed to quantify resistance training, there is not yet consensus regarding how these methods can be best implemented and integrated to complement each other. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide practical information for strength coaches to highlight effective methods to assess resistance training, and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive monitoring program.4

Differentiation between perceived effort and discomfort during resistance training in older adults:Reliability of trainee ratings of effort and discomfort,and reliability and validity of trainer ratings of trainee effort

“…Monitoring of RT by trainers and coaches using subjective measures is becoming more widespread and recommended 1 . Indeed such subjective measures as RPE might be useful in ensuring that athletes and other persons avoid overtraining.…”

“…Despite being originally developed for use with aerobic type exercise, the use of RPE scales within resistance training (RT) has become more widespread. 1 Though commonly employed as a tool to measure perceived effort the first studies regarding psychophysical scaling considered perceptions of heaviness in relation to the load employed during activities. 2 Subsequently the application of RPE scales of a variety of kinds (Borg 15 point Scale, Borg Category 10 Ratio, or the OMNI Resistance Exercise Scale) have been examined for construct validity against the external load employed.…”

A comparison of traditional and novel metrics to quantify resistance training

“…Monitoring training intensity and training load (the product of intensity and volume) for endurance 6, 7 and team sport 8, 9 athletes has received considerable attention. However, strategies to quantify resistance training, a common component of most athletes’ training programs, have not been extensively explored 10 . This is surprising, considering that lifting the same relative weight for equivalent total volume, yet manipulating acute variables (e.g.…”

“…This is surprising, considering that lifting the same relative weight for equivalent total volume, yet manipulating acute variables (e.g. recovery periods, repetition velocity and lifting tempo), can produce a vastly different training stimulus 10 .…”

“…Instead, VL is determined by the product of repetitions performed and the mass lifted to provide an absolute value in kilograms (sometimes termed tonnage) 11, 13 , and can provide an estimate of the mechanical work completed during resistance training as well as the associated physiological stress 11, 14 . However, an individual training at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) will have an identical VL whether that session is performed for 10 sets of 3 repetitions or 3 sets of 10 repetitions, despite experiencing a vastly different physiological stimulus 10 . Therefore, additional metrics are necessary to differentiate the overall intensity of training bouts.…”