Effects of velocity-based training versus percentage-based training programs on neuromuscular performances and markers of muscle damage in young males: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Available literature referring to the differences in the efficiency between velocity-based training (VBT) and percentage-based strength training (PBT) relating to the neuromuscular performances and markers of muscle damage in young males is quite scarce. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to investigate the differences between VBT and PBT programs in terms of their effects on absolute strength, explosive power, speed, and agility, as well as their influence on muscle damage as indicated by changes in biochemical markers following a 6-week resistance training programs. METHODS: The study included 42 young men, divided into two experimental groups, VBT (N.=17) and PBT (N.=15), and the control group (N.=10). Before and after the experimental treatments, the respondents performed the following tests: one-repetition maximum (1RM) in squat and bench press exercises for absolute strength, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) for explosiveness, 5m and 20m running for speed, and 505 test around both legs for agility. In addition, creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) were evaluated as markers of muscle damage. RESULTS: The obtained results suggested statistically significant differences between analyzed groups in terms of absolute strength and explosiveness in favor of the VBT program. It is also indispensable to highlight that VBT group demonstrated greater enhancement than PBT group in the following tests: 1RM squat (Δ% 17.9 and Δ% 11.9, respectively), 1RM bench press (Δ% 13.5 and Δ% 6.96, respectively), SJ (Δ% 13.89 and Δ% 5.15, respectively), CMJ (Δ% 16.96 and Δ% 5.37, respectively). The levels of CK marker were substantially lower at the third measurement in the VBT group compared to the PBT intervention. CONCLUSIONS: VBT was more effective regarding the development of absolute and explosive strengths and elicited lower muscle damage compared to the PBT program.