WEEKLY DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL QUADRICEPS STRENGTH PARAMETERS DURING HIGH-INTENSITY RESISTANCE TRAINING

Abstract

The time course of muscular adaptation is unclear, especially for strength parameters measured by interpolated twitch technique, such as peak twitch torque, voluntary activation level and rate of toque development. Two male subjects participated in a longitudinal study over 11 weeks, with one pre-measurement, eight weeks of training and two weeks of detraining (rest). Resting twitch parameters decreased for both participants and only recovered to baseline level and above in the detraining phase. Voluntary quadricsps strength increased with training, with increasing activation level. The study shows the complexity of adaptation to intense strength training, being influenced by fatigue and individual factors and showing the need for a careful consideration of resistance training intensity in athletes prior to competition or scientific settings.