Peak torque and electromyographic amplitude response to short-term barbell training in women
Document Type
Presentation
Journal/Book Title/Conference
National Strength and Conditioning Association 2015 National Conference
Publisher
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Location
Orlando, FL
Publication Date
7-9-2015
Abstract
We investigated the time course of neuromuscular and hypertrophic adaptations associated with only four weeks of barbell squat and deadlift training. Forty-seven previously untrained women (mean ± SD, age = 21 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to low volume training (n = 15), moderate volume training (n = 16), and control (n = 16) groups. The low and moderate volume training groups performed two and four sets, respectively, of five repetitions per exercise, twice a week. Testing was performed weekly, and included dual X-ray absorptiometry and vastus lateralis and rectus femoris B-mode ultrasonography. Bipolar surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected from the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris during isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the leg extensors. Significant increases in lean mass for the combined gynoid and leg regions for the low (+0.68 kg) and moderate volume (+0.47 kg) groups were demonstrated within three weeks. Small-to-moderate effect sizes were shown for leg lean mass, vastus lateralis thickness and pennation angle, and peak torque, but EMG amplitude was unaffected. These findings demonstrated rapid muscular adaptations in response to only eight sessions of back squat and deadlift training in women despite the absence of changes in agonist–antagonist EMG amplitude.
Recommended Citation
Mota, J.A., Stock, M.S., Olinghouse, K.O., Drusch A.S., Hernandez, J., Akalonu, C., and Thompson, B.J. Peak torque and electromyographic amplitude response to short-term barbell training in women. Presented at the National Strength and Conditioning Association national conference, Orlando, FL. July 9th 2015. J Strength Cond Res, 30 (February 2016).
