Heavier- and lighter-load resistance training to momentary failure produce similar increases in strength with differing degrees of discomfort

Introduction: It has been suggested that disparities in effort and discomfort between high- and low-load resistance training might exist, which in turn have produced unequivocal adaptations between studies. Methods: Strength responses to heavier- (HL; 80% maximum voluntary isometric torque; MViT) and lighter- (LL; 50% MViT) load resistance training were examined in addition to acute perceptions of effort and discomfort. Seven men (20.6 ±0.5years; 178.9 ± 3.2cm; 77.1 ±2.7kg) performed unilateral resistance training of the knee extensors to momentary failure using HL and LL. Results: Analyses revealed significant pre- to post-intervention increases in strength for both HL and LL, with no significant between-group differences (P> 0.05). Mean repetitions per set, total training time, and discomfort were all significantly higher for LL compared to HL (P< 0.05). Discussion: This study indicates that resistance training with HL and LL produces similar strength adaptations, however, discomfort should be considered before selecting training load.