Effects of resistance training on impulse above end‐test torque and muscle fatigue

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What role do neuromuscular fatigue mechanisms play in resistance training-induced adaptations of the impulse above end-test torque (IET) after the training period? What is the main finding and its importance? IET and global and peripheral fatigue were increased after a short period of resistance training. Thus, resistance training-induced adaptations in neuromuscular fatigue seem to contribute to enhanced IET after the training period. ABSTRACT: Short-term resistance training has a positive influence on the curvature constant of the power-duration relationship (W'). The physiological mechanism of W' enhancement after resistance training is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether one-leg maximal isometric resistance training influences (1) impulse above end-test torque (IET; an analogue of W') during a 5 min all-out isometric test; and (2) exercise tolerance (limit of tolerance, Tlim) and neuromuscular fatigue during severe exercise (i.e. above end-test torque; ET). Sixteen healthy active males participated in a 3-week unilateral knee extensor resistance-training programme, and 10 matched subjects participated as controls. The subjects were instructed to ramp up to 100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) over 1 s, hold it for 3 s, and relax. Each repetition had a 2 s interval (10) and each set, a 2 min interval (3). MVC (18.6%) and muscle thickness (12.8%) were significantly improved after training. Significantly greater global (i.e. reduced MVC, 43.2 ± 13.5% vs. 58.9 ± 6.9%) and peripheral (51.7 ± 13.6% vs. 57.3 ± 15.3%) fatigue, IET (26%) and Tlim (92%) were obtained after resistance training. Moreover, both global (r = 0.57, P < 0.05) and peripheral fatigue (r = 0.55, P < 0.05) accrued during severe exercise were associated with IET. However, echo intensity, which reflects muscle quality, ET and central fatigue remained unchanged throughout the training period. No significant changes in the control group for any variable were observed. Resistance training-induced adaptations in muscle size and neuromuscular fatigue seem to contribute to enhanced IET and Tlim after the training period.