Resistance training rest interval and muscle hypertrophy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of three different between-set rest intervals on resistance training-induced muscle hypertrophy and strength
IRAS ID
143020
Contact name
Leigh Breen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Research summary
Manipulation of the variables involved in resistance training prescription to maximize the muscle hypertrophic response has been the subject of intense study. Guidelines for the appropriate between-set rest-interval to maximize muscle hypertrophy are based on the premise that endogenous hormone concentrations ’drive’ the muscle anabolic response, a notion that was recently disproved. Indeed, studies comparing the effect of short versus long rest intervals between sets of resistance exercise demonstrate equivocal effects on muscle hypertrophy. To date, no study has directly compared the chronic muscle-specific anabolic and hypertrophic adaptations with different between-set rest intervals. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether between-set rest-interval is critical in mediating exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy, such that we might improve resistance training prescription for athletic populations.
To achieve our aim, healthy young resistance trained males will complete 10 weeks of resistance training with a short, short (work-matched) or long rest period between each exercise set. Dual energy X-ray (DEXA) and ultrasound techniques will be used to determine muscle anatomical changes over the training period. Furthermore, pre- and post- training muscle biopsies and blood analyses will help us to obtain an understanding of the underpinning hypertrophic mechanisms. Electromyography (EMG) will be used to measure pre- and post- training values of muscle activation to further our understanding of muscle training adaptations.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0088
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion