Resistance training is widely recognized for its health and performance benefits. Muscle activation correlates with muscle strength and performance, making it crucial to optimize training variables to maximize activation during resistance training exercises. This scoping review examines the impact of training variables such as intensity, range of motion (ROM), and repetition duration on muscle excitation, measured via surface electromyography (sEMG), in healthy, pain-free adults (≥18 years).
The authors conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying 63 studies that met their criteria. These studies included 35 focused on intensity, 13 on ROM, and 15 on repetition duration, involving a total of 966 participants.
Findings
The findings suggest that higher training intensities generally produce greater sEMG signals, indicating increased muscle activation. Additionally, faster repetition durations are associated with heightened muscle excitation. When repetition speed is controlled, greater ROM enhances excitation; however, the effects of ROM remain inconsistent when velocity is not standardized.
Overall, the current evidence suggests that higher intensity and faster repetitions increase muscle activation, while the effects of ROM need further clarification. The authors emphasize the need for future research to address these gaps and improve experimental design to better understand the interplay of these training variables on muscle excitation.
What this study does not show
This review does not establish definitive conclusions regarding the optimal training parameters for muscle excitation, particularly concerning the effects of range of motion.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: Established
- Clinical validity: Not established
- Clinical utility: Not established
The evidence is derived from a scoping review of existing studies.