Effects of High Volume Weight Training on Lactate, Heart Rate, and Perceived Exertion

This study investigated the response of lactate [La], heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to acute resistance exercise following a high volume weight training program. Twenty-three untrained male subjects were divided into experimental (GE, n = 15) and control groups (C, n = 8). A pretest (Pre) was performed consisting of full squats for 1 set of 10 repetitions (reps) at 45% of a 1-rep maximum (1-RM), 1 set of 10 reps at 55% 1-RM, and 5 sets of 10 reps at 62.5% 1-RM. Following 8 weeks of training by GE, all subjects were retested (Post) using the original Pre testing Protocol. Results showed that peak [La] decreased from 11.9 ± 4.2 mmol · L−1 to 5.1 ± 2.6 mmol · L−1 (p < 0.05) as a result of training. GE displayed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in heart rate at the end of each set. Significant decreases in RPE during exercise were also observed. These findings suggest that an 8-week high volume weight training program emphasizing large muscle groups can reduce the physiological and perceived stress associated with resistance exercise. The reductions in [La], HR, and RPE following training may enhance an individual's ability to continue work during bouts of acute resistance exercise.