Author(s): ROSA DA SILVA, C., SANTANA, W., ALMEIDA, G., HYDES, J., SANTIAGO, D., ANDRADE, E., DORO, A.R., FIGUEIRA JR, A., Institution: SÃO JUDAS TADEU UNIVESITY - BRAZIL, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 281

The prescription of intensity and total volume of strength training (ST) are determinants in morphological and functional adaptations, as well as the improvement of functional capacity. On the other hand, self-selection of strength training intensity is associated with more sustained affective responses, although the relationship with total training volume remains inconclusive. Objective: To compare the effect of two strength training protocols at self-selected intensity and prescribed intensity on total volume and perception of pleasure from the training session. Methodological procedures: 11 women who had not practiced physical exercise for at least 6 months (46±5.8 years and BMI of 29.9±3.3 kg/m2) were submitted to a randomized crossover experiment on ST. 1 RM tests were performed following the ACSM protocol in the exercises: 45º leg press, bench press, anterior pull, and extension chair, under the following conditions: 1) self-selected intensity (SSI) and 2) prescribed intensity (PRI) at 60% of 1RM, following the recommendations of the ACSM. In both protocols, they were instructed to perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions in each exercise, with a 1-minute interval between sets and an interval of at least 72 hours between sessions. The total training volume, the pleasure scale (PACES) and the self-selected intensity of the load were analyzed. Statistical analysis: The paired t-test was used, with a significance criterion of p < 0.05. Results: Intensities showed a significant difference between the protocols (PRI = 60% 1RM, SSI = 54.2 ± 1.5% 1RM, Δ% = 10.9, p<0.001). The intensities were: (PRI = Leg pres 63.8 ± 7.4 kg, bench press 12.4 ± 5.9 kg, extension chair 12.6 ± 2.1 kg, front pull 15.5 ± 2 kg.) (SSI = Leg Press = 56.3 ± 5.9 kg, bench press = 11.8 ± 1.6 kg, Extension chair = 11 ± 2.6 kg, front pull = 14.1 ± 2.1 kg). Training volumes (series X repetitions X kg) were similar between the protocols (PRI = 3923.6 ± 41 kg, SSI = 4060.2 ± 396.2 kg, Δ% = 3.35 p = 0.94, ES = 0.33). The pleasure scale (PACES) showed significant differences between the protocols (PRI=96.4 ± 11.9, SSI=122.5 ± 3.9, Δ% = 27.1 p = 0.008, ES = 2.19), demonstrating greater intensity (PRI), similar volume between (PRI-SSI) and greater pleasure in SSI. Conclusion: SSI presented a higher perception of pleasure, even with a higher similar volume and lower intensity than the PRI, which allows us to hypothesize that the self-selection of the intensity of the ST seems to be a positive strategy in inexperienced people, because the greater perception of pleasure during the training session could be a factor of future adherence to the ST.