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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(06): 476-482
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-100471
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Low- vs. Moderate-Load Squat Training on Strength, Jump and Sprint Performance in Physically Active Women

R. Mora-Custodio
1   Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
,
D. Rodríguez-Rosell
1   Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
,
F. Pareja-Blanco
1   Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
,
J. M. Yañez-García
1   Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
,
J. J. González-Badillo
1   Centro de Investigación en Rendimiento Físico y Deportivo, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 30 December 2015

Publication Date:
18 March 2016 (online)

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Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training (RT) load on neuromuscular performance. Twenty-seven physically active women were randomly distributed into 3 groups: a low-load group (LLG); a moderate-load group (MLG); and a control group (CG). The RT consisted of full squat exercise with a low load (40–60% 1RM, LLG) or a moderate load (65–80% 1RM, MLG). Sprint times (T10, T20, and T10–20), countermovement jump (CMJ), estimated one-repetition maximum (1RMest) and velocity attained against the first (FMPV) and the last load (LMPV) common to both tests were assessed pre- and post-test. Both experimental groups showed significant (P<0.05–0.001) improvements in all variables, except MLG for T10–20 and FMPV. The LLG achieved significantly (P<0.05–0.001) greater percent changes than CG in all variables except in T10 and T10–20, while MLG presented significantly (P<0.05–0.001) higher improvements than CG in T10, 1RMest and LMPV. The LLG presented a possibly better effect than MLG in T10–20, T20 and1RMest. In addition, LLG obtained a higher degree of transfer than MLG in all variables except in T10. These results suggest that a low-load training program produces similar or more beneficial effects on neuromuscular performance than moderate-load training.

Key words

full squat - transfer - resistance training - force-velocity relationship
 

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