Todd, J. B., Conley, D. S., Buster, T. W., Drystad, S. L., & Strand, J. T. (2000). Effect of rest interval length on multiple set high intensity bench press performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 646.

This study attempted to determine the rest interval required to produce adequate recovery from strength activities. The task was three sets of repetitions to exhaustion at 85% 1 RM bench press using 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 15, and preferred minutes as rest intervals. Ss were healthy males (N = 15). Two conditions were experienced each week with a minimum of 48 hours between sessions.

It was found that one and two minute recovery periods did not provide for sufficient recovery from work of this intensity. The preferred condition resulted in increased rest intervals across the three sets, and had similar recovery effects to intervals of 5-15 minutes. Preferred recovery protocols (3-6 minutes) could optimize performance and time usage.

Implications. Ss are able to determine optimal recovery periods between repeated sets of resistance exercise and provide as much recovery as that developed over extended rest periods.

mg/kg) and one hour later, isometric force production characteristics were measured. Ss were recorded under both caffeine and no-caffeine conditions.

It was found that force sensation was extended in the first 20 seconds of contraction but in the latter stages there was no effect. It was hypothesized that the drug affected the neural component of force production.

Implication. Caffeine causes increased force production in the early stages of an isometric contraction.

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