The Load-velocity Relationship: Neuromuscular Adaptations to Resistance Training

NCT06760663 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: CEIFMH Nº 28/20232023.02063.BD
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Adaptations to resistance training are highly specific and depend on the combination of external loading and the level of individual adaptability. As the relationship between load and velocity of movement is strong and linear, the application of velocity-based training (VBT) has been proposed to enable load adjustments to ensure that exercise is performed at a given intensity independently of several factors such as fatigue. It was recently shown that VBT potentiates increases in muscle strength and power when compared to that seen following a percent-based training (PBT). As the development of muscle strength is explained by the combination of hypertrophy and heightened neural drive, it is important to unravel whether VBT is superior to PBT in eliciting positive adaptations at both these levels or exclusively at one of them. Thus, the aim of this study is to thoroughly compare the neuromuscular adaptations of VBT with the ones found in PBT.

Conditions

Muscle Hypertrophy

Keywords

load-velocity relationship; neuromuscular; hypertrophy; strength; velocity-based training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Pectoralis major cross sectional area

  Measurements of cross sectional area of the right pectoralis major muscle

  10 weeks

• Quadriceps femoris cross sectional area

  Cross sectional area of the right quadriceps femoris muscle

  10 weeks

• Quadriceps femoris muscular thickness

  Muscular thickness f the right quadriceps femoris muscle

  10 weeks

• Pectoralis major muscular thickness

  Muscular thickness of the right pectoralis major muscle

  10 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Back Squat Maximal Strength

  10 weeks

• Muscular activation

  10 weeks

• Bench Press Maximal Strenght

  10 weeks

• Back squat and bench press one-repetition maximum

  10 weeks

• Back Squat and Bench Press Load-Velocity relationships

  10 weeks

Study Arms (3)

Percentage Based-Training (PBT)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Training load will be prescribed in a traditional fashion. No adjustments of load will be performed.

Behavioral: The load-velocity relationship: Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training

Velocity Based Training (VBT)

EXPERIMENTAL

Training load will be adjusted according to daily fluctuations in movement velocity.

Behavioral: The load-velocity relationship: Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training

Fast Velocity Based Training (VBT-F)

EXPERIMENTAL

Training load will be adjusted according to fluctuations in movement velocity. Repetitions will be performed as fast as possible.

Behavioral: The load-velocity relationship: Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training

Interventions

The load-velocity relationship: Neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training BEHAVIORAL

Comparing the impact of adjusting training load based on movement velocity on hypertrophy and neural adaptations.

Fast Velocity Based Training (VBT-F); Percentage Based-Training (PBT); Velocity Based Training (VBT)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Individuals without neurologic conditions;
• Individuals without lower and upper limb disabilities;
• Individuals without any known disease.;
• All participants must be familiar with Resistance Training (≥ 3 times per week, for at least 3 years of practice).

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with known metabolic disease;
• Individuals with known cardiovascular disease;
• Individuals with respiratory disorders or other orthopedic conditions that limit exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lisbon: lead
• Faculdade de Motricidade Humana: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Faculdade de Motricidade Humana Universidade de Lisboa

Cruz Quebrada, Oeiras, 1495-751, Portugal

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Hypertrophy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Gonçalo Mendonca, PhD

  Faculdade de Motricidade Humana - Universidade de Lisboa

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: SEQUENTIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Master of Science

Model Details: Each of the 3 groups will perform 10 weeks of training. After all data is collected, it will be processed.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 5, 2024
• First Posted: January 7, 2025
• Study Start: March 3, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 30, 2025
• Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PT (1)