Force-velocity profile changes and cardiovascular parameters adaptations at rest after resistance training programmes differing in set configuration

Résumé

During training, the combination of the force and the velocity exerted by muscles determines the individual mechanical profile, that reveals the muscles strengths and weakness. In order to modify this profile, set configuration was manipulated. This thesis aims to identify resistance exercise structures that effectively combine the optimization of mechanical performance with positive hemodynamic and cardiovascular adaptations. A randomised controlled study examined the force-velocity profile changes and the cardiovascular adaptations at rest in response to 5-week training programmes differing in set configuration. Traditional group performed 4 sets of 8 repetitions with 5 min of rest between sets and exercises, while the cluster group completed 16 sets of 2 repetitions with 1 min of rest between sets and 5 min between exercises. The load performed corresponded to the 10-repetition maximum. Similar changes toward a power-oriented profile were observed in bench press after both regimes while in parallel squat only cluster structures produced any alteration toward a velocity-oriented profile. Traditional sets entailed greater velocity loss, lactate production and heart rate peak during intervention compared to cluster sets. Both protocols did not alter the cardiovascular parameters at rest after training intervention.