Early Phase Differential Effects of Slow and Fast Barbell Squat Training

Few studies have equated work volume between different training groups.

“Thus, few studies have equated work volume between the diff erent training groups [ 10 , 17 , 19 , 25 , 26 , 40 ]”

Some isoinertial studies comparing fast- vs. slow-velocity training on strength found greater strength gains when performing repetitions at fast velocities.

“some found greater strength gains when performing the repetitions at fast velocities [ 17 , 20 , 25 -27 ]”

A plausible explanation for why several studies did not find superior strength gains when lifting loads faster is that in most of them repetitions were performed to or next to muscle failure.

“A plausible explanation to why several studies did not fi nd superior strength gains when lifting loads faster may be that in most of them repetitions were performed to or next to muscle failure [ 2 , 9 , 25 , 26 , 30 , 40 ] .”

Some studies comparing fast vs intentionally slow movement velocities found greater strength gains when repetitions were performed at fast velocities.

“Some of these studies found greater strength gains when performing the repetitions at fast velocities [ 17 , 20 , 25 -27 ]”

Most previous studies identified movement velocity with lifting cadence.

“and most studies identifi ed movement velocity with lifting cadence [ 10 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 35 , 40 ]”

When exercise sets are performed to muscle failure, actual training velocities end up very similar between fast and slow groups, and high levels of metabolic and mechanical fatigue are experienced.

“Conversely, when exercise sets are performed to muscle failure [ 19 , 25 , 28 , 40 ] actual training velocities end up being very similar between the 'fast' and 'slow' groups, and high levels of metabolic and mechanical fatigue are experienced [ 12 , 32 ] .”

In previous research, no clear differences were found between fast and slow velocity training.

“In previous research, no clear diff erences were found between 'fast' and 'slow' velocity training [ 19 , 25 , 28 , 40 ] .”