Cited by 304Sports Performance and TrainingCardiovascular and exercise physiologyMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Applications of the Dose-Response for Muscular Strength Development: A Review of Meta-Analytic Efficacy and Reliability for Designing Training Prescription

Peterson, Mark D., Rhea, Matthew R., Alvar, Brent A.·2005·The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Abstract

There has been a proliferation in recent scholarly discussion regarding the scientific validity of single vs. multiple sets of resistance training (dose) to optimize muscular strength development (response). Recent meta-analytical research indicates that there exist distinct muscular adaptations, and dose-response relationships, that correspond to certain populations. It seems that training status influences the requisite doses as well as the potential magnitude of response. Specifically, for individuals seeking to experience muscular strength development beyond that of general health, an increase in resistance-training dosage must accompany increases in training experience. The purpose of this document is to analyze and apply the findings of 2 meta-analytical investigations that identified dose-response relationships for 3 populations: previously untrained, recreationally trained, and athlete; and thereby reveal distinct, quantified, dose-response trends for each population segment. Two meta-analytical investigations, consisting of 177 studies and 1,803 effect sizes (ES) were examined to extract the dose-response continuums for intensity, frequency, volume of training, and the resultant strength increases, specific to each population. ES data demonstrate unique dose-response relationships per population. For untrained individuals, maximal strength gains are elicited at a mean training intensity of 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), 3 days per week, and with a mean training volume of 4 sets per muscle group. Recreationally trained nonathletes exhibit maximal strength gains with a mean training intensity of 80% of 1RM, 2 days per week, and a mean volume of 4 sets. For athlete populations, maximal strength gains are elicited at a mean training intensity of 85% of 1RM, 2 days per week, and with a mean training volume of 8 sets per muscle group. These meta-analyses demonstrate that the effort-to-benefit ratio is different for untrained, recreationally trained, and athlete populations; thus, emphasizing the necessity of appropriate exercise prescription to optimize training effect. Exercise professionals may apply these dose-response trends to prescribe appropriate, goal-oriented training programs.

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Authors
Peterson, M. D., Rhea, M. R., & Alvar, B. A.
Affiliations
  • Arizona State University (US)
  • Southern Utah University (US)
Venue
The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Published
2005
Volume
19
Issue
4
Pages
950
ISSN
  • 1064-8011 (ISSN-L)
  • 1533-4287
OpenAlex
W2038693092
Cited by
303
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 24 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 12
FWCI
7.07
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
dose-response relationship, resistance training, training prescription, training status, untrained individuals, athletes, exercise intensity, exercise frequency, training volume
MeSH terms
Humans, Muscle Contraction, Physical Education and Training, Physical Fitness, Sports, Meta-Analysis as Topic, Muscle, Skeletal

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