Using the Repetitions in Reserve-based Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale to Autoregulate Powerlifting Training

aut.embargoNoen_NZ
aut.thirdpc.containsNoen_NZ
aut.thirdpc.permissionNoen_NZ
aut.thirdpc.removedNoen_NZ
dc.contributor.advisorCronin, John
dc.contributor.advisorStorey, Adam
dc.contributor.advisorZourdos, Michael
dc.contributor.authorHelms, Eric
dc.date.accessioned2017-09-26T02:25:16Z
dc.date.available2017-09-26T02:25:16Z
dc.date.copyright2017
dc.date.created2017
dc.date.issued2017
dc.date.updated2017-09-25T21:15:35Z
dc.description.abstractAutoregulation is a training approach where adjustments are made based on the recovery, performance and readiness of the individual. By providing greater individualisation, autoregulation may optimise muscular adaptations. This thesis investigates the practical implementation of autoregulation in strength training to answer the question: “can autoregulation, through the use of the novel rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale based on repetitions in reserve (RIR), improve the efficacy of powerlifting training?”. First an introduction to powerlifting and the training concepts common to it is undertaken. Then, the history of RPE in powerlifting is detailed, establishing the thesis framework. In Chapter two the body of knowledge on methods of monitoring and regulating resistance training is reviewed. Those methods with strong (r ≥ 0.68) relationships to resistance training performance are highlighted and the need for further investigation into the use of the RIR-based RPE scale in autoregulation is identified. Chapter three is a narrative review of the history of RPE scales in resistance training and the utility of the RIR- based RPE scale. In Chapter four, this scale’s utility when conducting one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests in competitive powerlifters is assessed. Specifically, while similar, near-maximal RPE at 1RM among the powerlifts (9.7-9.8 RPE; p > 0.05) was found, average concentric velocity (ACV) among the squat (0.23 ± 0.05 m·s-1), bench press (0.10 ± 0.04 m·s-1) and deadlift (0.14 ± 0.05 m·s-1) differed (p < 0.05). The relative training volume of powerlifters, when using three levels of the ‘RPE stops’ method to regulate number of sets performed, over a 3-week training period is reported in Chapter five. Briefly, this method sets an RPE-threshold whereby if reached, sets are no longer performed, after a percentage reduction from the first set’s load is implemented. Specifically, 2, 4 and 6% RPE stops were investigated. Weekly combined relative volume load (squat + bench press + deadlift), expressed as sets x repetitions x percentage 1RM differed between weeks (p < 0.001): 2% = 74.6 ± 22.3; 4% = 88.4 ± 23.8; 6% = 114.4 ± 33.4. Chapter six is an analysis of the same cohort of powerlifters’ ability to accurately select loads based on RPE targets during this 3-week period. Overall, post-set RPE scores differed minimally (0.33 ± 0.28 RPE) compared to target RPEs. In Chapter seven, the effectiveness of training with self-selected loads based on a target RPE range versus using a traditional percentage 1RM-based approach for the bench press and back squat was tested in two parallel groups of resistance-trained males for 8 weeks. While both groups increased 1RM and muscle thickness (p < 0.05), differences between groups were non-significant. However, probabilistic analysis of effect size (ES) indicated a greater likelihood (57-79% probability) that RPE-based loading provided small (ES = 0.28-0.50) advantages for improving 1RM strength compared to percentage 1RM- based loading. Additionally, average percentage of 1RM, relative volume and RPE differed during training, as well as subjective recovery. Chapter eight is a summary of the findings, their applications, and future research directions in powerlifting and strength training as a whole.en_NZ
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/10829
dc.language.isoenen_NZ
dc.publisherAuckland University of Technology
dc.rights.accessrightsOpenAccess
dc.subjectResistance trainingen_NZ
dc.subjectRPEen_NZ
dc.subjectStrengthen_NZ
dc.subjectPeriodisationen_NZ
dc.titleUsing the Repetitions in Reserve-based Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale to Autoregulate Powerlifting Trainingen_NZ
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.grantorAuckland University of Technology
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral Theses
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_NZ
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
HelmsE.pdf
Size:
6.2 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Whole thesis
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name:
license.txt
Size:
889 B
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Collections