Individuality of responses to bilateral and unilateral volume equated hypertrophic strength training in physically active men

Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible differences between unilateral and bilateral strength training during ten weeks progressive hypertrophic strength training and six weeks detraining period. Furthermore, it was examined possible different individual responders in muscle hypertrophy during strength training and, how those different responders would behave during the detraining phase following the training period. Methods. The present intervention included ten weeks of progressive hypertrophic resistance training followed by six weeks of detraining in healthy young men (n=24). Ultrasound was used to measure vastus lateralis (VL) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and triceps brachii (TB) thickness. Maximal bilateral and unilateral lower and upper body isometric forces as well as maximal dynamic unilateral and bilateral concentric maximum forces in leg and bench press were measured. The subjects trained three times per a week. The subjects received an individual example nutritional plan before the start of the intervention and they received protein and carbohydrate supplementation after every training session. Results. VLCSA increased in the total group from 31.1±5.7cm to 35.1±5.0cm (p=0.013) and leg press 1RM from 154.6±24.9kg to 178.5±25kg (p15% (n=10), Medium responders 15-5% (n=6) and Low responders