The effect of different velocity losses in velocity-based resistance training on hypertrophy and strength parameters

ABSTRACT THE EFFECTS OF DİFFERENT VELOCİTY LOSSES İN VELOCİTY-BASED RESİSTANCE TRAİNİNG ON HYPERTROPHY AND STRENGTH PARAMETERS The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of velocity-based resistance training, which can be used as an alternative to traditional strength training, on hypertrophy and kinematic parameters. The study involved 30 young male volunteers who had been regularly engaged in strength training for more than 1.5 years. Participants were divided into three groups: 10% Velocity Loss (VL), 20% VL, and a Control Group, and they completed 12 training sessions over four weeks. The 10% VL and 20% VL groups performed the bench press exercise using the Vitruve encoder VBT device, regulating their velocity loss based on the mean concentric velocity (MPV), while the control group followed a traditional set-to-failure protocol. Pre- and post-training assessments included anthropometric measurements, ultrasonographic evaluation of pectoralis major muscle thickness, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, a maximal unloaded push test, and fatigue tests. The results showed a significant group effect on pectoralis major muscle thickness in the ultrasonographic measurements taken from the 2nd and 3rd intercostal spaces (p=0.005), although the time factor and group-time interaction were not significant. Measurements taken from the 3rd and 4th intercostal spaces also indicated a significant group effect (p≤.001), with no significant time factor or grouptime interaction. The 1RM test results revealed a statistically significant effect of time (pre-test to post-test) (p=0.001), but no significant differences between groups or grouptime interactions. In the maximal unloaded push test, both group and time factors were statistically significant (p≤.001), although no significant group-time interaction was observed. In the fatigue test, only the time factor was significant (p≤0.001), with no significant group or group-time interactions. These findings suggest that velocity-based resistance training could serve as an effective alternative to traditional methods, offering similar hypertrophy and performance gains while providing better control over fatigue. In conclusion, velocity-based resistance training may be considered a scientifically grounded option for athletes and coaches aiming to optimize fatigue management in training programs. Keywords: Velocity-Based Resistance Training, Hypertrophy, Kinematic Parameters