Different load intensity transition schemes to avoid plateau and no-response in lean body mass gain in postmenopausal women.

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the impact of different schemes of load intensity transition (LIT, performed until, or close to, voluntary concentric failure) at 12 weeks on lean body mass (LBM) gains in postmenopausal women (PW) after a 24-weeks intervention. Moreover, since changes in LBM after resistance training (RT) vary widely from person to person, this study also investigated how the LIT affects low- and high-responders for RT-induced change in LBM. Methods: Twenty-four participants were randomized into two schemes of LIT: from lower-load RT (LL, ~ 30% of 1RM) to higher-load RT (HL, ~ 80% of 1RM) (n = 12, loads necessary to perform 27–31 repetitions during 12 weeks plus 12 weeks with loads necessary to perform 8–12 repetitions) and from HL to LL (n = 12, loads necessary to perform 8–12 repetitions during 12 weeks performing plus 12 weeks with loads necessary to perform 27–31 repetitions). LBM (DXA) was measured at baseline, after 12 and 24 weeks of training. Results: There was a progression of RT volume (load intensity x number of repetitions) (P Time < 0.001) in both schemes (Post hoc: P < 0.05); however, greater volume progression was observed in the LL group in both phases. LL to HL and HL to LL similarly stimulating LBM gains after 12 and 24 weeks of RT (P < 0.05). Low-responders (no-gains in LBM at 12 weeks of RT) and high-responders for RT at 12 weeks demonstrate LBM gains after the LIT (i.e., at 24 weeks), regardless of the schemes used. Conclusions: Our study suggests that LIT, regardless of the schemes used, is an effective strategy of RT-progression (after 12 weeks) for increasing LBM in PW (low- and high-responders). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]