Application of velocity loss thresholds during free-weight resistance training: Responses and reproducibility of perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular outcomes

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 38; no. 5; pp. 477 - 485
• Main Authors: Weakley, Jonathon, McLaren, Shaun, Ramirez-Lopez, Carlos, García-Ramos, Amador, Dalton-Barron, Nick, Banyard, Harry, Mann, Bryan, Weaving, Dan, Jones, Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Routledge 03.03.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Blood levels; Countermovement Jump; Lactate; Lactic acid; Metabolism; Muscles; Physical training; Rating of perceived exertion; Reliability; Reproducibility; Strength training; Velocity; Velocity-based training; Velocity-based training; Rating of perceived exertion; Lactate; Reliability; Countermovement Jump
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1706831

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences and long-term reliability in perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to velocity loss resistance training protocols. Using a repeated, counterbalanced, crossover design, twelve team-sport athletes completed 5-sets of barbell back-squats at a load corresponding to a mean concentric velocity of ~0.70 m·s −1 . On different days, repetitions were performed until a 10%, 20% or 30% velocity loss was attained, with outcome measures collected after each set. Sessions were repeated after four-weeks. There were substantial between-protocol differences in post-set differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE, i.e., breathlessness and leg muscles, AU) and blood lactate concentration (B[La], mmol·L −1 ), such that 30%>20%>10% by small to large magnitudes. Differences in post-set countermovement jump (CMJ) variables were small for most variables, such that 30%<20%<10%. Standard deviations representing four-week variability of post-set responses to each protocol were: dRPE, 8-11; B[La], 0.8-1.0; CMJ height, 1.6-2.0; CMJ PPO, 1.0-1.8; CMJ PCV, 0.04-0.06; CMJ 100ms-Impulse, 5.7-11.9. Velocity loss thresholds control the magnitude of perceptual, metabolic, and neuromuscular responses to resistance training. For practitioners wanting to reliably prescribe training that can induce a given perceptual, metabolic, or neuromuscular response, it is strongly advised that velocity-based thresholds are implemented.