Variability and Impact of Self-Selected Interset Rest Periods During Experienced Strength Training

P. Ibbott, N. Ball, M. Welvaert, Kevin G Thompson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigated the variability of strength trained athletes' self-selected rest periods between sets of heavy squat training. Sixteen strength-trained male athletes (M age = 23, SD = 3 years) completed two squat training sessions 48 hours apart. Each training session consisted of five sets of 5RM squats, interspersed with self-selected interset rest periods. A Gymaware linear optical encoder collected kinetic data for each squat and temporal data for each interset rest period. The participants' subjective ratings of the experience were taken before (Readiness to Lift [RTL]) and after (Rating of Perceived Effort [RPE]) each set. Mean total rest time and mean power output differed significantly between sessions. For both sessions, interset rest period increased, and power output decreased between Sets 3, 4, and 5 (95% CI range [−101, −17]) compared with Set 1. In both sessions, RPE increased significantly in Set 3 compared with Set 1 (95% CI range = [0.68, 2.19]), while RTL decreased significantly from Set 3 (95% CI range [−2.99, −0.58]) compared to Set 1. Interset rest period and power output demonstrated fair reliability between sessions (mean intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.55), while RPE and RTL demonstrated good and excellent reliability, respectively (mean intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.63 and 0.80). In conclusion, highly trained strength athletes demonstrated a significant difference in their between session power output and total rest time when using self-selected interset rest periods, despite stability in their subjective ratings of fatigue and effort. Interset rest periods can be self-selected reliably to complete strength training in heavy squat protocol; however, power output may decline during the set.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)546-558
Number of pages13
JournalPerceptual and Motor Skills
Volume126
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Variability and Impact of Self-Selected Interset Rest Periods During Experienced Strength Training'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this