Comparison of the Effects of Two Acute Resistance Training Bouts on Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption

Although there are limited data to support significant increases in resting metabolic rate (RMR) following resistance training, recent investigations have shown excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) to be significantly elevated above baseline for up to 72 hours in untrained and trained men. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of two acute bouts of resistance exercise of differing loads on EPOC. METHODS: Eight experienced resistance trained males (22 ± 3 yrs.) were recruited to participate in this investigation. Subjects participated in two randomized acute resistance training bouts separated by at least one week with a total volume of weight lifted of 10,000 kg and 20,000 kg. A high intensity lifting protocol was used with subjects lifting approximately 85% of their 1 repetition maximum for each of the following 4 lifts; bench press, barbell squat, barbell row and Romanian deadlift. Exercise energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured by indirect calorimetry during both exercise bouts and for 30 minutes approximately 8.5 and 1.5 hours prior to each acute bout of exercise (baseline measurements) and again approximately 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours following exercise. Creatine kinase and ratings of perceived muscle soreness were measured with all post exercise metabolic measurements and immediately prior to and post exercise. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze dependent measures. Significance was accepted at p