Comparison of muscle hypertrophy in biceps, quadriceps and calves using two exercises: a pilot study with a within-subjects design
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.119173Keywords:
Anthropometry , exercise selection, muscle hypertrophy, strength trainingAbstract
Introduction: Exercise selection is a relevant variable in strength training aimed at muscle hypertrophy; however, comparative evidence between different movement patterns is still limited.
Objective: To compare the effect of two different exercises on muscle hypertrophy in the biceps, quadriceps, and calves.
Method: A pilot study with a longitudinal, within-subject, quasi-experimental design, without a control group, with pre- and post-intervention measurements. Seven men (20-30 years old) with no recent strength training experience participated. For 8 weeks, they performed a program at 70-85% of their 1RM, executing two exercises for each muscle group, randomly assigned by body segment. Hypertrophy was estimated using muscle area (MA) with ISAK anthropometry. Normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk), Pearson correlation, and paired-samples t-tests were applied.
Results: General increases in muscle area were observed following the intervention (p = 0.007), indicating a significant effect of resistance training. However, no significant differences were found between exercises within each muscle group (p > 0.05). Percentage changes showed variable trends: Biceps (2% in cable curls vs. -1% in preacher curls), quadriceps (5% in both extension and leg press exercises), and calves (3% in standing calf raises vs. 1% in seated calf raises), with no clear superiority among the evaluated movements.
Conclusion: Under controlled volume and intensity conditions, different exercises can induce similar hypertrophic adaptations. This pilot study provides preliminary evidence for future research.
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