Total volume and maximum number of repetitions performed during resistance training sets: traditional versus agonist-antagonist set methods

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the total volume and number of maximum repetitions (nMR) that can be performed in barbell curl (BC) and triceps pushdown (TP) exercises, varying order of execution, on traditional (TRAD) and agonist-antagonist paired set (AAPS) methods.
METHODS: Twelve individuals (22±3.5 years) with experience in resistance training (RT), attended 10 sessions with an interval of 48 to 72 hours between them. After anthropometric evaluation, three familiarization sessions, one repetition maximum tests (1-RM) and reproducibility, four experimental protocols were performed to measure the total volume and nMR, using 70% of 1-RM: TRAD1 (four sets of exercise BC + four sets of exercise TP); TRAD2 (four sets of TP exercise + four sets of BC exercise); AAPS1 (four sets of exercise BC and TP) and; AAPS2 (four sets of exercise TP and BC). Under the TRAD method, 90-seconds rest intervals were implemented between all sets; two-minute rest interval between the completion the last set of first exercise and the first set of second exercise was implemented (BC + TP or TP + BC). Under the AAPS method, no interval was implemented between first and second exercise (BC and TP or TP and BC); a 90-seconds rest interval after the completion of the first and the subsequent exercise was implemented.
RESULTS: There were no differences in total volume and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between the experimental protocols, while a higher nMR was found in the TP exercise compared to the BC in all protocols used.
CONCLUSION: It is concluded that in the intensity of 70% 1-RM, the total volume is not influenced by the TR method (TRAD or AAPS) and by the order of the exercises (BC and TP or TP and BC). Additionally, it was observed that the nMR seems to be influenced by the muscle group used.