Similar improvements in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity after moderate (10 RM) and high repetition (20 RM) resistance training

Abstract

Objectives This study investigated whether six weeks of resistance training to concentric failure performed with either a moderate (10-repetition maximum) or high (20-repetition maximum) repetition range enhances skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, hypertrophy, and strength. Design A pre–post intervention study with a randomized group allocation. Methods Forty-seven healthy young men were randomly allocated to a 10-repetition maximum group (n = 16), 20-repetition maximum group (n = 16), or non-training control group (n = 15) and completed 12 supervised lower-body sessions. Vastus lateralis oxidative capacity was assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy during transient arterial occlusion. Recovery kinetics of muscle O2 consumption were modeled mono-exponentially, and the time constant served as an index of oxidative capacity. The secondary outcomes were ultrasound-derived muscle thickness and multi-joint 10-repetition maximum strength. Results Both training groups showed significantly reduced time constant compared to the control group (10-repetition maximum: −18.9 %; 20-repetition maximum: −29.1 %; p textless 0.05), with no difference between repetition ranges (p = 0.356). Vastus lateralis thickness increased similarly in the 10-repetition maximum and 20-repetition maximum groups (p textless 0.001 vs. control), while strength improved across all exercises in the two experimental groups; only the lying leg-curl favored 20-repetition maximum over 10-repetition maximum (p = 0.015). Conclusions These findings demonstrate that twice-weekly resistance training to failure, irrespective of whether ~10 or ~20 repetitions are used, simultaneously enhances mitochondrial oxidative capacity, muscle hypertrophy, and strength, underscoring the versatility of resistance training for performance optimization and interventions targeting improved metabolic health.

Publication
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

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