Effects of crescent pyramid and drop-set strength training systems with equalized total volume in strength and muscle hypertrophy in young strength trained man

• Grant number: 15/16090-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Cleiton Augusto Libardi
• Grantee: Vitor Angleri
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

To maximize strength gains and muscle hypertrophy due to the strength training (ST), directed by individuals considered advanced practitioners, the ST systems were developed. Among these systems it highlights the Crescent Pyramid system (PC), which recommends that the series is progressed with increasing load and decreasing number of repetitions. Studies investigating acute responses (i.e, a single ST session) PC observed similar metabolic stress and muscle damage responses when compared to traditional ST (TRAD) when the total volume (TV Series x repetitions x load [kg]) of these ST protocols was equalized. Another ST system used to maximize the gains in strength and muscle hypertrophy is Drop-set (DS) system, which is characterized by conducting series to concentric failure followed by a brief pause to load reduction (kg) making it possible to do a few more reps. Evidence to date demonstrate greater increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy for the DS compared to the TRAD possibly by the largest TV provided by DS. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of PC system, DS and TRAD with TV equalized on strength and muscular hypertrophy of young men strength training practitioners. Our hypothesis is that the PC and DS systems promote similar increases in strength and muscle hypertrophy compared with TRAD when the TV of the ST protocols is equalized. Muscle strength is measured by the one-repetition maximum test (1-RM). Already muscle hypertrophy will be measured by the acquisition of cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis muscle (CSAVL) via ultrasound. Study participants will be allocated into one of three experimental conditions (PC, DS or TRAD) and underwent 12 weeks of training. After that, the 1-RM test and the CSAVL will be measured again. For data analysis, a mixed-model analysis assuming Group (TRAD, DS and PC) will be held and time (Pre and Post) as fixed factors and participants as random factor to the dependent variables of the study (1-RM, and CSAVL total volume [TV]). In case of a significant value of F, Tukey's setting will be performed for multiple comparisons. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ANGLERI, VITOR; UGRINOWITSCH, CARLOS; LIBARDI, CLEITON AUGUSTO. Individual Muscle Adaptations in different Resistance Training Systems in Well-Trained Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, JUN 2021. (15/16090-4)

ANGLERI, VITOR; UGRINOWITSCH, CARLOS; LIBARDI, CLEITON AUGUSTO. Individual Muscle Adaptations in different Resistance Training Systems in Well-Trained Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, v. 43, n. 01, p. 55-60, JAN 2022. (15/16090-4)

ANGLERI, VITOR; UGRINOWITSCH, CARLOS; LIBARDI, CLEITON AUGUSTO. Crescent pyramid and drop-set systems do not promote greater strength gains, muscle hypertrophy, and changes on muscle architecture compared with traditional resistance training in well-trained men. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, v. 117, n. 2, p. 359-369, FEB 2017. (15/16090-4, 13/21218-4)