Effects of Resistance Training Intensity to Momentary Concentric Failure on Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Affective Responses in Untrained Females

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine strength, body composition, and affective responses from resistance training to failure at 30% 1-RM (30-fail) or 80% 1-RM (80-fail) in previously untrained females. Fourteen subjects completed this study. Subjects completed 10 weeks of RT to failure on four exercise machines. Strength and lean body mass were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Strength increased significantly in the 30-fail and 80-fail groups (39.15 ± 22.00 kg and 35.15 ± 11.66 kg, respectively). Lean body mass increased significantly in the 30-fail group (1.45 ± 1.70 kg). The 30-fail group reported significantly increase in pleasure immediately post to 60 minutes post exercise (0.25 ± 1.98 to 2.13 ± 1.36, respectively). The 30-fail group reported lower perceived exertion than the 80-fail group (17.88 ± 1.36 and 18.67 ± 1.51, respectively). Training to momentary concentric failure can result in significant increases strength, LBM, and affective responses in untrained females.