Comparison between two strength training systems on the maximum muscular strength performance

The goal of the present study was to compare traditional (ST) and pyramid (SP) strength training systems during eight weeks on the maximum muscular strength performance. Eighteen experienced in strength training men were divided into two groups of nine volunteers. Four times a week, the ST group trained in three sets of eight repetitions (75% of 1RM) and the SP group in three sets of 10, eight and six repetitions (70%, 75% and 80% of 1RM, respectively). All subjects were submitted to an anthropometric evaluation, followed by 1RM test in the bench press and squat exercises, which were repeated after eight weeks of training. The difference between the attained 1RM for each system was studied using Mann-Whitney test and the Wilcoxon paired test was applied to compare pre- and post-training. No significant differences were recorded between ST and SP bench press (125 plus or minus 19 kg and 120 plus or minus 17.0 kg) and squat (124 plus or minus 18 kg and 120 plus or minus 17 kg). Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the pre- and post-training periods. According to the present results, both training systems produced similar effects on the maximum muscular strength performance.Original Abstract: A proposta do presente estudo foi comparar os sistemas de treino traditional (ST) e piramidal (SP) ao longo de oito semanas de treino sobre o desenvolvimento da forca muscular maxima. Participaram dezoito homens experientes em treino de forca, divididos em dois grupos de nove voluntarios. O grupo tradicional seguiu um treino de 3 sets de 8 repeticoes (75% de 1RM) e grupo piramidal, 3 sets de 10, 8 e 6 repeticoes (70, 75 e 80% de 1RM, respectivamente), com frequencia de 4 vezes por semana. Estes passaram por uma avaliacao antropometrica seguida de um teste de 1RM nos exercicios supino reto e agachamento. O teste de 1RM foi repetido apos oito semanas de treino. Para analisar a significancia dos resultados 1RM entre os sistemas, utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney e, finalmente, o teste Wilcoxon para amostras pares foi usado para comparar os periodos pre e pos-treino. Nao se registaram diferencas significativas entre os sistemas ST e SP no supino reto (125 plus or minus 19 kg e 120 plus or minus 17 kg) e agachamento (124 plus or minus 18 kg e 120 plus or minus 17 kg), assim como, tambem nao registou diferenca significativa entre os periodos pre e pos-treino. Em conclusao, os resultados sugerem que os sistemas de treino nao geram diferencas no desempenh