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Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2791-5145
Training & Testing

Don’t Sweat the Swelling: Exercise Volume’s Transient Effects in Trained Males

Authors

  • Mike Alvarez

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Alysson Enes 

    2   Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28122)

  • Tanuj Wadhi 

    3   Sports Performance Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand (Ringgold ID: RIN1410)

  • Christopher Barakat Barakat

    4   Health Sciences and Human Performance, University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Jacob Rauch

    4   Health Sciences and Human Performance, University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Andrew Barsuhn

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Daniel Aube

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Nicholas Miller

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Nicholas Chessman

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Anton Bou-Sliman

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • JC Andersen

    1   Health Sciences and Human Performance, The University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)

  • Tácito P. Souza-Junior

    5   Metabolism, Nutrition and Strength Training Research Group (GPMENUTF), Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28122)

  • Carlos Ugrinowitsch 

    6   Laboratory of Adaptations to Strength Training, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (Ringgold ID: RIN28133)

  • Eduardo Oliveira De Souza

    4   Health Sciences and Human Performance, University of Tampa, Tampa, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN7832)
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This study investigated the effects of different session volumes on perceptual, performance, morphological changes and their transient responses following the experimental sessions. Thirteen trained males (training experience: 5.1 ± 1.3 years; 10RM Squat: 131 ± 23 kg) completed three counterbalanced experimental sessions consisting of 7, 14, or 21 total sets per session targeting the lower body. A 10 repetition-maximum test (10RM) was used as a performance marker. Anterior thigh muscle thickness (MT) and echo-intensity (EI) were assessed at baseline, immediately post-session, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-experimental session. Perceived recovery status (PRS) was assessed at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-experimental sessions. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded post-session only. The 14 and 21-SETS conditions resulted in greater volume load (VL) (p < 0.05). PRS and RPE were significantly affected by training volume (p < 0.05), particularly in the 21-SETS condition, which induced higher RPE and lower PRS than the other conditions. No condition or condition-by-time effects were observed for MT, EI, or 10RM-VL (p > 0.05). Despite distinct perceptual and VL differences, no sustained muscle swelling or evidence of edema was observed, as MT and EI measurements returned to baseline within 24 hours post-session across all conditions.



Publication History

Received: 09 October 2025

Accepted after revision: 16 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
21 January 2026

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