Among several possible resistance training (RT) variables to be manipulated, the training volume has been considered as a critical variable to maximize RT-induced hypertrophy. Many of the studies that compared one set of RT with 3 sets have failed to show a difference in muscle hypertrophy in older adults. However, it is not clear whether further increases in RT volume (ie, 6 sets) would result in even greater RT-related hypertrophy than 3 sets in older adults. This study aimed to investigate whether higher-volume RT (HV-RT) maximizes gains in lean body mass and muscle strength (MS) when compared with lower-volume RT (LV-RT) in postmenopausal women (PW). Fifty-eight PW were randomized into 1 of the 3 groups: control group (CT, no exercise), HV-RT (6 sets per exercise), and LV-RT (3 sets per exercise). Volunteers took part in a supervised training program (leg press 45degree, leg extension, leg curl and standing calf raises) and were assessed for leg lean mass (LLM; dual x-ray absorptiometry) and lower limb MS (leg press and leg extension; 1 repetition maximum (1RM)) before and after 12 weeks of RT. Both HV-RT and LV-RT groups increased (p < 0.05) LLM and MS when compared with the CT group. Higher increases in LLM gains were observed for the HV-RT group when compared with the LV-RT group (6.1 and 2.3%, p < 0.001). Both HV-RT and LV-RT groups similarly increased 1RM in the leg press and leg extension. Thus, there seems to be a dose-response relationship between RT volume and muscle hypertrophy, but not for MS gains in PW.

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