Objectives: The effects of resistance training (RT) and the potential role of isolated training variables on arterial stiffness (AS) remain inconclusive. This review summarises the current literature examining the acute effects of RT on AS from a distinct perspective, considering ‘intensity of effort’ as an independent loading variable, potentially affecting AS responses to RT. Design: Systematic review Methods: SPORTDiscus, PubMed/MEDLINE, CHINAHL and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched between 2000 and 2022. Randomised control trials, non-randomised or repeated measures comparative studies assessing arterial responses to acute RT protocols measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) were included. Results: From the 645 articles identified, 16 articles were included. Ten studies reported a significant increase in carotidfemoral PWV (cfPWV) post-exercise (p < 0.05), with increases between 2% and 20.8% reported. Five studies found no significant differences in cfPWV while in one study femoral-dorsalis pedis PWV decreased by 14%. Loading intensities ranging from 30% to 95% of 1RM had an ambiguous effect on AS, although there was a trend towards increased AS following acute RT. Higher intensities of effort and slower repetition velocities appeared to further increase AS. Conclusions: Available evidence shows a trend for increased AS following acute RT. Nonetheless, it remains to be deter mined whether additional RT variables (e.g., intensity of effort, repetition duration) could attenuate or limit increases in AS. Further research, having more RT variables controlled, is needed to draw definite conclusions.

Objective: The aims of this study were to: 1) quantify the weekly volume of sets prescribed for each muscle group of the lower limbs in recreationally-trained women; 2) assess the association between resistance training experience and the weekly volume. Design and Methods: The training programs of 1019 recreationally-trained women subjects were analyzed. Data was ana lyzed for the following lower limb muscle groups: quadriceps femoris, knee flexors, hip adductors, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, triceps surae, and tibialis anterior. A k-cluster analysis was performed to subdivide the weekly volume of sets into 3 groups (low, medium, and high). Results: A significant difference in RT experience (years) and weekly frequency was observed between the 3 groups. For relative (%) weekly volume of sets, a larger number was noted for quadriceps femoris (34.29%), followed by gluteus maximus (28.57%), knee flexors (11.43%), and hip adductors, gluteus medius and triceps surae (all 8.57%). A moderate correlation was observed between RT experience and AVS (rs = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.59; p = 0.001) and a strong correlation between weekly frequency and AVS (rs = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.75; p = 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, strength coaches usually prescribe high weekly volumes of sets for lower limb muscle groups. Additionally, a higher weekly volume of sets was prescribed for the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscles when compared to the knee flexors. This results suggest that training experience positively correlates with to the absolute weekly volume of sets.

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the effects of the number of loads used in stepwise load reduction training for upper body single and multi-joint resistance exercises on the training volume, duration, and the rating of perceived exertion. Design: Experimental study. Methods: Eleven young male participants performed three experimental sessions for bench press and dumbbell curls ran domly. First, they performed a high load (80% of the one-repetition maximum [1RM]) set, followed by four sets at 65%, 50%, 40%, and 30% 1RM in the five-load reduction condition (5LR), two sets at 50% and 30% 1RM in the three-load reduction condition (3LR), or one set at 30% 1RM in the two-load reduction condition (2LR) until concentric failure, with minimum intervals between the loads. The total exercise duration included exercise movement and non-exercise (setting) durations. Results: For both tests, the training volume (Load × repetitions; 1028 ± 258 kg in 5LR, 999 ± 160 kg in 3LR, and 1,003 ± 238 kg in 2LR for bench press and 226 ± 74 kg in 5LR, 200 ± 44 kg in 3LR, and 192 ± 36 kg in 2LR for dumbbell curls) and rating of perceived exertion did not differ among the conditions, whereas the total exercise and non-exercise dura tions in the five-load reduction condition were significantly longer than those in the other conditions (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The number of loads for stepwise load reduction training in upper-body single and multi-joint resistance exer cises did not affect the training volume and rating of perceived exertion. However, the training duration was shorter under the conditions with fewer loads than that under those with larger loads because of its increased non-exercise dura tion. The protocol would be more efficient if fewer loads could induce a similar adaptation.