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Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of a new strength training method on strength gain, hypertrophy, and neuromuscular fatigability.Methods: The training exercise consisted of elbow flexion against a load of ~ 70% of one repetition maximal (1RM). A new method (3/7 method) consisting of five sets of an increasing number of repetitions (3 to 7) during successive sets and brief inter-set intervals (15 s) was repeated two times after 150 s of recovery and compared to a method consisting of eight sets of six repetitions with an inter-set interval of 150 s (8 × 6 method). Subjects trained two times per week during 12 weeks. Strength gain [1RM load and maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC)], EMG activity of biceps brachii and brachioradialis, as well as biceps' brachii thickness were measured. Change in neuromuscular fatigability was assessed as the maximal number of repetitions performed at 70% of 1RM before and after training.Results: Both 3/7 and 8 × 6 methods increased 1RM load (22.2 ± 7.4 and 12.1 ± 6.6%, respectively; p < 0.05) and MVC force (15.7 ± 8.2 and 9.5 ± 9.5%; p < 0.05) with a greater 1RM gain (p < 0.05) for the 3/7 method. Normalized (%Mmax) EMG activity of elbow flexors increased (p < 0.05) similarly (14.5 ± 23.2 vs. 8.1 ± 20.5%; p > 0.05) after both methods but biceps' brachii thickness increased to a greater extent (9.6 ± 3.6 vs. 5.5 ± 3.7%; p < 0.05) for the 3/7 method. Despite subjects performing more repetitions with the same absolute load after training, neuromuscular fatigability increased (p < 0.05) after the two training methods.Conclusion: The 3/7 method provides a better stimulus for strength gain and muscle hypertrophy than the 8 × 6 method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increase in myofibrillar protein accretion can occur in the very early post-exercise period and can be potentiated by ingestion of essential amino acid (EAA). Furthermore, strength exercise induces important disturbances in protein turnover, especially in novice athletes. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of an EAA supplementation on muscle mass, architecture and strength in the early stages of a heavy-load training programme. 29 young males trained during 12 weeks. They were divided into a placebo (PLA) (n = 14) group and an EAA group (n = 15). At baseline, daily food intake and nitrogenous balance were assessed with a food questionnaire over 7 days and two 24-h urine collections. The effect of training on muscle mass was assessed by anthropometric techniques. Muscle thickness and pennation angle were recorded by ultrasonography of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM). Maximal strength during squat and bench press exercises were tested on an isokinetic ergometer. Training resulted in significant increase in muscle mass and strength in both PLA and EAA groups. Positive linear regressions were found between nitrogen balance and increase in muscle mass in the PLA group (P < 0.01, r2 = 0.63) and between the initial strength and the increase in muscle strength in the EAA group (P <0.05, r2 = 0.29). EAA ingestion resulted in greater changes in GM muscle architecture. These data indicate that EAA supplementation has a positive effect on muscle hypertrophy and architecture and that such a nutritional intervention seems to be more effective in subject having lower nitrogen balance and/or lower initial strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]