STABILITY OF BICEPS BRACHII MMAX WITH ONE SESSION OF STRENGTH TRAINING

Introduction: The maximal compound muscle action potential (M-max) of biceps brachii is altered by 1 session of strength training. We examined whether the number of training sets in a session plays a role in this effect. Methods: Ten subjects completed 1 session of isometric strength training of the elbow flexors (2 sets, 75% maximal force with 1 arm; 12 sets with the other). Biceps M-max was acquired in both arms before training, immediately after training, and every 5 min for 30 min. Results: M-max area was initially potentiated after 2 (7.2%) and 12 sets (13.6%) but returned to baseline within 5 min. Conclusions: Biceps M-max is similarly affected by 2 and 12 sets of strength training. The overall effect is minimal compared with similar to 25% depression reported after similar training in a different arm posture. Thus, changes in M-max appear more dependent on training posture than number of training sets.