A Comparison of Adaptations via Either a Linear Periodization or an Undulating Periodization Model of Weight Training

BACKGROUND: Resistance training has been proven to have a positive impact on parameters such as muscular strength, hypertrophy and endurance. Periodization is a progressive mode of training that has been shown to illicit greater results than programs that stay consistent throughout. The two prime modes of periodization are linear (LP), which progresses from high volume/low intensity to low volume/high intensity, and undulating (UP) which follows an oscillating volume/intensity design. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 12 week linear program to those from an undulating program on strength and body composition when both programs reflect the entire NSCA repetition continuum. METHODS: 10 resistance trained men were matched according to weight-relative strength and randomly assigned to either a linear (N=4, 21 ± 2.5 yrs, 69.08 ± 0.69in, 1178.13 ± 19.5 lbs, 16.9 ± 5.2 %BF) or undulating (N=6, 20 ± 1.7 yrs, 70.27 ± 2.13 in, 180.17 ± 23.98 lbs, 13.67 ± 2.94 %BF) periodization program. Subjects participated in 3 days per week of supervised total body resistance training with repetitions and intensities reflecting the entire NSCA repetition continuum. At 0, 4, 8 and 12-weeks, subjects were tested on body composition via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, 1RM strength, muscular endurance, vertical jump and anaerobic capacity. Statistical analyses utilized a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures for all criterion variables (p ≤ 0.05). Data are presented as mean ± SD changes from baseline values. RESULTS: Significant main effects for time (p \u3c 0.05) were observed on bench press (LP: 15.03 ± 8.02 lb; UP: 26.10 ± 5.05 lb), leg press (LP:161.07 ± 14.10 lb ; UP: 164.03 ± 55.20 lb), and Wingate peak power (LP: 148.21 ± 78.05 W; UP: 143.22 ± 137.04 W). However, no significant interactions were observed between groups on any of these parameters. Also, no significant group or time effects for time or differences between groups were observed in the measures of percent body fat, lean muscle mass, or vertical jump. CONCLUSION: Both undulating and linear periodization models of resistance training that reflect the entire repetition continuum can bring forth highly significant changes in strength and peak anaerobic power. However, despite the fact that the undulating method resulted in a 43% greater increase in upper body strength, there is no significant difference in the magnitude of the training adaptations that stem from the two methods over 12 weeks

The Effects of Pre- and Post-Exercise Whey vs. Casein Protein Consumption on Body Composition and Performance Measures in Collegiate Female Athletes

Two of the most popular forms of protein on the market are whey and casein. Both proteins are derived from milk however the two differ concerning their absorption in the body. This difference between whey and casein proteins could affect the response seen in conjunction with training. PURPOSE: To investigate the potential effects of two types of protein ingestion in conjunction with a controlled resistance training program utilizing college female basketball players. METHODS: 16 NCAA Division III female basketball players were matched according to weight and double-blind randomly assigned to consume 24 grams whey protein (WP) (N = 8, 20 ± 1.9 years, 158 ± 27.3 cm, 66 ± 4.9 kg, 27 ± 4.9 %BF) or 24 grams casein protein (CP) (N = 8, 21 ± 2.8 years, 153 ± 2.9 cm, 68 ± 2.9 kg, 25 ± 5.7 %BF) pre- and post-exercise for eight weeks. Subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week undulating periodized training program. At 0, 4, and 8 weeks, subjects underwent DEXA body composition analysis. At 0 and 8 weeks subjects underwent 1RM strength, muscle endurance, vertical jump, 5-10-5 and broad jump testing sessions. Data analysis using repeated measures ANOVA are presented as mean ± SD changes from baseline after 60 days. RESULTS: No significant group x time interaction effects were observed among groups in changes in any variable (p \u3e 0.05). A significant time effect was observed for body fat (WP: -2 ± 1.1 %BF; CP: -1 ± 1.6 %BF, p \u3c 0.001), lean mass (WP: 1.5 ± 1 kg; CP: 1.4 ± 1 kg, p \u3c 0.001), fat mass (WP: -1.3 ± 1.2 kg; CP: -0.6 ± 1.4 kg, p \u3c 0.001), leg press 1RM (WP: 88.7 ± 43.9 kg; CP: 90 ± 48.5 kg, p \u3c 0.001), bench press 1RM (WP: 7.5 ± 4.6 kg; CP: 4.3 ±4.5 kg, p = 0.01), vertical jump (WP: 1.6 ± 0.74 in; CP: 1.4 ± 3 in, p \u3c 0.001), 5-10-5 (WP: -0.3 ± 0.2 sec; CP: -0.09 ± 0.42 sec, p \u3c 0.001), and broad jump (WP: 4.1 ± 2.6 in; CP: 5.1 ± 2.8 in, p \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination of a controlled undulating resistance training program with pre- and post-exercise protein supplementation is capable of inducing significant changes in performance and body composition. There does not appear to be a difference in the performance enhancing effects of whey versus casein proteins

EFFECTS OF COMBINED CREATINE PLUS FENUGREEK EXTRACT VS. CREATINE PLUS CARBOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON RESISTANCE TRAINING ADAPTATIONS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined creatine and fenugreek extract supplementation on strength and body composition. Forty- seven resistance trained men were matched according to body weight to ingest either 70 g of a dextrose placebo (PL), 5 g creatine/70 g of dextrose (CRD) or 3.5 g creatine/900 mg fenugreek extract (CRF) and participate in a 4-d/wk periodized resistance-training program for 8-weeks. At 0, 4, and 8-weeks, subjects were tested on body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and anaerobic capacity. Statistical analyses utilized a separate 3X3 (condition [PL vs. CRD vs. CRF] x time [T1 vs. T2 vs. T3]) ANOVAs with repeated measures for all criterion variables (p 0.05) were observed for any measures of body composition. CRF group showed significant increases in lean mass at T2 (p = 0.001) and T3 (p = 0.001). Bench press 1RM increased in PL group (p = 0.050) from T1-T3 and in CRD from T1-T2 (p = 0. 001) while remaining significant at T3 (p 0.05). In conclusion, creatine plus fenugreek extract supplementation had a significant impact on upper body strength and body composition as effectively as the combination of 5g of creatine with 70g of dextrose. Thus, the use of fenugreek with creatine supplementation may be an effective means for enhancing creatine uptake while eliminating the need for excessive amounts of simple carbohydrate