Resistance training is widely recognized for its health and performance benefits. Muscle activation is a critical factor that correlates with muscle strength and overall performance. Therefore, optimizing training variables to maximize muscle excitation during resistance training exercises is of significant interest to athletes and trainers alike.
This scoping review, conducted by Fischer et al., examines the impact of various training parameters on muscle excitation, specifically focusing on intensity, range of motion (ROM), and repetition duration. The review includes original research studies published in English that utilized acute bipolar surface electromyography (sEMG) assessments to measure muscle activation in healthy, pain-free adults aged 18 years and older.
The systematic search conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified a total of 63 studies. These studies included 35 focusing on intensity, 13 on ROM, and 15 on repetition duration, involving a total of 966 participants.
Key Findings
- Higher Intensity: The review indicates that higher training intensities generally produce greater sEMG signals, suggesting a direct correlation between intensity and muscle activation.
- Repetition Duration: Faster repetition durations are associated with increased muscle excitation, highlighting the importance of speed in resistance training.
- Range of Motion: Greater ROM enhances muscle excitation when repetition speed is controlled; however, findings regarding ROM are inconsistent when velocity is not standardized.
Despite these findings, the review notes that the effects of ROM on muscle excitation remain unclear, indicating a need for further research to clarify these inconsistencies. The authors emphasize the importance of addressing these gaps in future studies and improving experimental designs to better understand the interplay of these training variables.
What this study does not show
This review does not establish a definitive conclusion on the optimal training parameters for maximizing muscle excitation, particularly regarding the effects of range of motion.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: Established
- Clinical validity: Not established
- Clinical utility: Not established
The evidence is based on a review of existing studies, which provides insights but lacks direct clinical outcomes.