Acute effect of different rest interval on muscle performance and perceived exertion in young women Efeito agudo de diferentes intervalos de recuperação no desempenho muscular e percepção do esforço em mulheres jovens

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of different rest intervals between sets of the leg press exercise on total volume, time under tension and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Eighteen young women (23.9±3.8 years) performed two experimental sessions, at least 72 hours apart, in a balanced cross-over design. In each session, the participants performed three sets until voluntary exhaustion, with loads that corresponded to 10-12 maximum repetitions, using RI of the two-minute (RI-2) or four-minutes (RI-4). The session performed with RI-4 showed a total volume (∑ repetitions x load) and time under tension (∑ total time duration of the three sets) statistically higher when compared to the RI-2 session (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in RPE between sets of both experimental sessions (P < 0.05). The session performed with RI-4 showed a training load (RPE assessed 30 minutes after experimental sessions x duration of the session) statistically higher compared to the session with RI-2 (P < 0.05). The findings of the present study suggest the use of different RI between sets appeared to influence muscle performance and ratings of perceived exertion.