Lengthened Partials vs Full ROM
Muscular adaptations in trained individuals.
This study investigated the effects of lengthened partial repetitions (LPs) compared to full range of motion (fROM) resistance training on muscle hypertrophy and strength endurance.
Key Points
Purpose
The primary objective was to determine whether LPs could produce similar muscular adaptations as fROM in trained individuals, focusing on upper-body musculature.
Methods
Participants: Thirty healthy, resistance-trained individuals aged 18-40 were recruited. They were screened for existing health issues and training habits.
Design: A within-participant design was employed, where each participant's upper limbs were randomly assigned to either the LP or fROM condition. This approach allowed for direct comparison within the same individual.
Training Protocol: The intervention consisted of an eight-week program with two sessions per week, targeting various upper-body exercises (chest, back, bi’s and tri’s). Each session included four exercises with four sets each, performed to momentary muscular failure.
Measurements:
Muscle hypertrophy was assessed using B-mode ultrasonography.
Muscle strength endurance was evaluated through a 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test on the lat pulldown exercise.
Statistical Analysis: A Bayesian framework was used for data analysis, focusing on posterior distributions and Bayes factors to assess the strength of evidence regarding differences between conditions.
Related
Results
Hypertrophy and Strength-Endurance: Improvements in muscle thickness and 10RM performance were similar between both training conditions. The point estimates for differences were close to zero, indicating no significant advantage for either method.
Bayesian Analysis: Bayes factors ranged from 0.16 to 0.3, suggesting moderate support for the null hypothesis that there is no difference in improvements between LPs and fROM.