A1 Journal article (refereed)
Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to 20 versus 40% velocity loss in males and females before and after 8 weeks of velocity-loss resistance training (2022)

Walker, S., Häkkinen, K., Virtanen, R., Mane, S., Bachero‐Mena, B., & Pareja‐Blanco, F. (2022). Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to 20 versus 40% velocity loss in males and females before and after 8 weeks of velocity-loss resistance training. Experimental Physiology, 107(9), 1046-1060. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP090371

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Walker, Simon; Häkkinen, Keijo; Virtanen, Roosa; Mane, Shashank; Bachero‐Mena, Beatriz; Pareja‐Blanco, Fernando

Journal or series: Experimental Physiology

ISSN: 0958-0670

eISSN: 1469-445X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 05/08/2022

Volume: 107

Issue number: 9

Pages range: 1046-1060

Publisher: Wiley

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1113/EP090371

Research data link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6801210

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82933

Abstract

Scientific examination of velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) has increased recently, but how males and females respond to different VBRT protocols or how these acute responses are modified after a period of training is unknown. Habitually resistance-trained males and females followed either a 20% or 40% velocity-loss program for 8 weeks. Acute squat loading tests (5 sets, 70% 1-RM load, 3 minutes rest) were performed before and after the training period. Tests of maximum neuromuscular performance and blood sampling were conducted prior to, within 10 minutes of completion (POST) and 24 hours after each acute loading test. Testing included countermovement jump, resting femoral nerve electrical stimulation, and bilateral isometric leg press. Blood samples were analysed for whole-blood lactate, serum testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone and creatine kinase concentrations. Countermovement jump height, maximum isometric bilateral leg press force, and force from 10 Hz doublet decreased in all groups at POST after 20% and 40% velocity-loss. Only males showed reduced force from 100 Hz doublet and voluntary force over 100 ms at POST before training. 40% velocity-loss led to increased blood lactate and growth hormone responses before training in both males and females. After training, more systematic and equivalent responses in force over 100 ms, force from 100 Hz doublet and blood lactate were observed regardless of sex/VBRT protocol. Overall, acute responses were greater from 40% VBRT and males were more susceptible to acute loss in force production capacity before the training period. These VBRT protocol- and sex-related differences were diminished after training.

Keywords: strength training; gender; women; men; performance (capacity); muscle strength; velocity; fatigue (biological phenomena); hormones; neuromuscular activity

Free keywords: strength; power; sex; fatigue; electrical stimulation; low frequency

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1