Effects of active vs. passive interset rest among physiological and perceptual outcomes in bench press exercise.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the effects between 2-min active and 2-min passive interset rest among intra and interset velocity and power loss, blood lactate level, and effort perception in young resistance-trained male during bench press exercise.

Equipment and methods Nineteen volunteers completed a maximal power test for bench press to determine the optimal load for maximum power production. Separated by, unless, 72 hours all participants realised two resistance training bouts consisting of 2 × 8 repetitions at maximal velocity using the optimal load for maximal power, and a 3rd set until muscle failure, with 2-min interset rest passive or active, where participants completed repetitions in vertical chest press at a controlled velocity during active protocol. We measured power and velocity for each repetition using a lineal encoder, and we calculate intraset loss for both outcomes with two different equations. We also measured blood lactate levels and rate of perceived exertion before and after each set, and during recovery period after the last set.

Results There was a lower intraset velocity and power loss for active interset rest compared to passive, being these differences statistically significant for the 1st set (P < 0.05) as confirmed by Student's t-test for independent measures. We also found only for the passive protocol a significant increase in blood lactate levels when comparing the values post set and before the consecutive set (P < 0.01), showing a significant increase during the interset rest period (post-set 1–pre-set 2; and post-set 2–pre-set 3). Moreover, blood lactate levels were significantly higher in passive compared to active before starting the 3rd set (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for rate of perceived exertion between both protocols.