Acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses to a novel low-load combined isometric and isotonic resistance training protocol.
Tomonari Sugano, Tomomi Nomura, Yukari Yoshie et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the acute physiological responses to a novel combined resistance training (CB) protocol in 48 healthy men. The CB protocol, which involved low-load isometric and isotonic contractions, produced significantly higher EMG amplitudes compared to low-intensity slow training (LST) and high-load (HL) training. Notably, the CB group showed a significant reduction in tissue oxygen saturation compared to HL.
Key findings
- CB protocol elicited mean EMG amplitudes significantly greater than LST during the final set (p = 0.009, g = 1.23).
- NIRS analysis showed a significantly lower change in tissue oxygen saturation in the CB group compared to HL (p = 0.001; g = 1.19).
- Third-set integrated EMG was significantly higher in CB than in both HL (p = 0.002, g = 1.13) and LST (p < 0.001, g = 1.63).
- Serum IGF-1 concentrations exhibited a significant post-exercise elevation across all groups (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that the combined resistance training protocol can effectively stimulate neuromuscular and metabolic responses with lower mechanical stress, making it suitable for populations requiring joint-friendly exercise options.