🇺🇸 Approved for CEUs for PTs & PTAs in 43 states

Moderate intensity resistance training with partial range-of-motion at long muscle lengths elicits similar hypertrophy and architectural adaptations as high intensity resistance training using full range-of-motion

Review written by Dr Teddy Willsey info

Key Points

  1. Resistance training using a range-of-motion that maintains a longer muscle length and does not approach full knee extension is similar for improving vastus lateralis muscle size and fascicle length compared with completing a conventional full range-of-motion, even with reduced external load and active force generation.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

The benefits of performing resistance exercise through full range of motion (F-ROM) have been well documented. When compared to training through a partial range of motion (P-ROM) in a shortened position, F-ROM training has been shown to lead to increased muscle hypertrophy, functional performance, and fascicle length (1-3). Two recent studies comparing F-ROM training to P-ROM at longer muscle lengths have shown the latter to potentially be more favorable for hypertrophy in certain parts of the muscle (4,5).

The authors of this paper sought to compare changes in quadriceps muscle size and architecture between three resistance training configurations: shortened P-ROM (SP), lengthen P-ROM (LP), and F-ROM alongside a control group (CON).

When compared to training through a partial range of motion (P-ROM) in a shortened position, F-ROM training has been shown to lead to increased muscle hypertrophy, functional performance, and fascicle length.
bulb
Similar or greater hypertrophy can be achieved by training the quadriceps through a shortened range of motion with less load, which can be helpful to work around patellar tendon pain and improve quadriceps function.

METHODS

  • 37 activity-matched participants (age 19-26) were recruited from a local university campus. All subjects had a baseline of 3-5 hours per week of recreational sport or exercise and had not done any lower body resistance training within the past year.
Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1313 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot