Luecke, T., Wendeln, H., Campos, G. R., Hagerman, F. C., Hikida, R. S., & Staron, R. S. (1998). The effects of three different resistance training programs on cardiorespiratory function. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1125.

Four groups of young men performed different strength training activities:

• LR (N = 9) performed 4 x 3-5 repetitions;
• IR (N = 11) performed 3 x 9-11 repetitions;
• HR (N = 7) performed 2 x 22-26 repetitions, and
• C (N = 6) did not train.

Training lasted eight weeks and comprised three lower extremity exercises.

All groups improved in 1 RM on each of the training exercises. No changes were exhibited at 60% of 1 RM. VO2max and VE were unchanged due to training. HR was the only group to show a significant increase in time to exhaustion and maximal power output.

A high number of repetitions was associated with specific local muscular endurance changes.

Implication. Strength training improves strength in the exercises used for training. High repetitions are required for improvements in muscular endurance but then, the improvements are exercise specific.

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