The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of two different recovery intervals (RI) between repetition sets of strength training (ST) on muscular strength performance in trained elderly women. Ten older women (age of 66.6 ± 5.8) with previous experience in ST, performed the following protocol: a) test of maximum repetition (10-12 RM) in the Scott biceps curl exercise; b) two additional test sessions (48 hours apart from each other) of three sets were performed until muscle fatigue in each set by applying the load found during the 10-12 RM test. Two different RI were used in these two sessions; that is, in one of the sessions the RI lasted 90 seconds (RI 90) between sets and 180 seconds in the other (RI 180). Student's t test for dependent samples showed that the total volume of the RI 180 test session was statistically superior (19%, P <0.05) compared to the RI 90 session (27.5 ± 3.4 e 23.1 ± 3.3 repetitions, respectively). The two-way 2x3 ANOVA for repeated measures in the last factor, including IR and number of repetitions for each set, showed significant interaction (F(1,18) = 4.62; P = 0.02), which demonstrates that the sustainability of repetitions is dependent on the IR duration. It is concluded that the selection of different IR durations presents important effects on the total volume of a ST session and on the number of repetitions of subsequent multi sets. These findings can present relevant implication to professional intervention with ST in trained older females.
resistance training; aging; muscular fatigue
