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Int J Sports Med 2015; 36(07): 554-562
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1398529
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neuromuscular Responses to 14 Weeks of Traditional and Daily Undulating Resistance Training

B. Ullrich
1   Department of Biomechanics and Training Science, Olympic Training and Testing Center Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
,
S. Holzinger
2   Theory and Practical Performance of Physical Activities, JGU University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
,
M. Soleimani
2   Theory and Practical Performance of Physical Activities, JGU University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
,
T. Pelzer
1   Department of Biomechanics and Training Science, Olympic Training and Testing Center Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
,
J. Stening
3   Sports Medicine, Hospital kreuznacher diakonie, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
,
M. Pfeiffer
2   Theory and Practical Performance of Physical Activities, JGU University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 03 November 2014

Publication Date:
11 March 2015 (online)

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Abstract

This study compared traditional (TP) and daily undulating (DUP) periodization on muscle strength, EMG-estimated neural drive and muscle architecture of the quadriceps femoris (QF). 10 non-athletic females (24.4±3.2 years) performed 14 weeks of isometric training for the QF exercising 1 leg using TP and the contralateral leg using DUP. Intensities varied from 60% to 80% of MVC and the intensity zones and training volume were equated for each leg. Knee extension MVC, maximal voluntary QF-EMG activity and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture were measured in both legs before, after 6 weeks and after 14 weeks of training using dynamometry, surface EMG and ultrasonography. Isometric MVC and maximal QF-EMG remained unaltered after 6 weeks of training, but were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced after 14 weeks in both legs (MVC: TP 24%, DUP 23%; QF-EMG: TP 45%, DUP 46%). VL-architecture remained unchanged following 6 weeks of training, but VL-muscle thickness (TP 17%, DUP 16%) and fascicle length (TP 16%, DUP 17%) displayed significant (P<0.05) enlargements after 14 weeks in both legs. Importantly, these temporal neuromuscular alterations displayed no significant differences between the training legs. Therefore, periodization may not act as a key trigger for neuromuscular adaptations.

Key words

muscle plasticity - quadriceps femoris - EMG - ultrasonography
 

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