Does rest interval between sets affect resistance training volume, density, and rating of perceived exertion when adopting the crescent pyramid system in young women?

BACKGROUND The rest interval between sets can affect the responses to resistance training. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different rest intervals (RI) on volume, density, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) when adopting a crescent pyramid (CP) system. METHODS Twenty young women (21.1±2.6 years, 1.59±0.06 m, 58.5±9.3 kg) participated in this study. All participants performed three experimental sessions of the leg press exercise in 5 sets until voluntary muscular failure at 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, and 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). A randomized and crossover design was used so that in each session one of three RI (RI-1 = 1 min, RI-2 = 2 min, and RI-3 = 3 min) was tested. RESULTS The participants performed a significantly larger volume in the RI-3 (12820±3134 kg) when compared to RI-1 (10367±3053 kg) condition (P 0.05). The density was higher (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The use of 2 minutes of rest between sets allowed the performance of a high volume-load and density of the session in young women. In addition, the three experimental sessions provided a high perception of effort.