Abstract
Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) allows daily fluctuation in training load, therefore, aligning with current participant readiness. Previous literature indicates APRE as superior for strength adaptations compared to traditional linear periodization. However, traditional APRE utilizes absolute load adjustments, contradicting positive implications associated with percentage-based training. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate acute strength adaptations using a novel relative APRE (r-APRE) training program. METHODS: Nine resistance trained males (m ± sd; age: 21.3 ± 2.2yrs; height: 175.8 ± 6.7cm; weight: 65.6 ± 17.8kg) underwent 1 repetition maximum (1RM) testing for back squat (BS), bench press (BP), deadlift (DL), and overhead press (OP). Following, a 4-week r-APRE program was employed, consisting of 4 days per week, emphasizing a different pre-test 1RM exercises each day, in conjunction with 2-3 accessory movements at a self-selected weight equivalent to an 8 on the OMNI RPE scale. Intra- and intersession adjustments were made by reestablishing the predicted 1RM using the Brzycki’s predicted 1RM equation, then, recalculating participants’ 85% 1RM (6RM) for the load of subsequent working set. After the 4-week intervention, participants completed a post-test 1RM for BS, BP, DL, and OP. A series of paired-sample t-tests (p < .05) was used to assess significant differences between pre- and post-1RM. RESULTS: While the averages increased, there was no significant difference between pre and post for BP t(8) = -0.8, p = 0.46 (240.6 ± 81.4 to 246.7 ± 65.8; mean ± SD) and OP t(8) = -1.6, p = 0.15 (136.1 ± 28 to 145 ± 26.2; mean ± SD). However, there were significant differences in pre and post 1RM for BS t(8) = -2.6, p = 0.03 (297.2 ± 96.7 to 326.7 ± 85.5; mean ± SD) and DL t(8) = -2.7, p = 0.03 (316.1 ± 100.8 to 350.6 ± 67.7; mean ± SD). CONCLUSION: These results suggest significant strength adaptations are observed in response to r-APRE, but specifically for lower body compound movements. These results imply r-APRE is a viable training model for increasing acute muscular strength, especially in the lower body.
Recommended Citation
Krahn, Annalee G.; West, Andrew; Harty, Dylan J.; Brown, Jenaya V.; Luera, Micheal; and Wolfe, Andrew A.
(2025)
"Acute Strength Adaptations to Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise Using Relative Adjustments,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 68.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/68