Effects of equivolume strength training programmes of low, medium and high resistance on maximal isometric strength in sedentary women

Forty‐nine previously sedentary women, mean age 30 ± 91 years, participated in this study of the relative importance of strength training resistance. The total work was the same in each group, but the work intensity (85%, 50% and 25% of one repetition maximum, 1‐RM) and number of sets (3 sets × 5 repetitions, 5 sets × 5 repetitions and 10 sets × 5 repetitions) varied. During 8 weeks, the subjects trained their leg extensor muscles and forearm flexors and extensors 5 times a week Body weight, body mass index, body fat, and thigh and forearm girth remained unchanged. All of the groups showed a significant increase in the maximal isometric strength of the leg extensors (15.5‐25.4%) and forearm flexors (9.3‐14.5%) and extensors (17.5‐19.0%). There were no differences between the groups in strength gain. Equivolume strength training with different resistances improved the maximal isometric strength of previously sedentary women equally.