The effects of traditional and autoregulation priming methods on neuromuscular performance and recovery outcomes in rugby players: a randomized crossover study

Abstract Background Autoregulation is an emerging paradigm to optimize resistance training practice. Aims To investigate the effects of traditional (TRA) and two autoregulation resistance priming methods—Objective Autoregulation Rest-Redistribution Training (O-ARRT) and Subjective Autoregulation Rest-Redistribution Training (S-ARRT)—on neuromuscular performance and recovery in highly trained rugby players during competitive microcycles. Methods Twelve players completed a randomized, crossover trial consisting of three sessions involving the barbell back squat exercise, matched for volume (24 repetitions), load (80% of 1RM), and total rest (540 s), but differing in set structure. Neuromuscular performance was assessed by monitoring barbell velocity and countermovement jump kinetics, and recovery via rating of fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status responses. Results The O-ARRT method resulted in significantly higher mean session barbell velocity compared to both TRA ( p < 0.001, b = 0.032 [95% CI: 0.015, 0.049]) and S-ARRT ( p < 0.001, b = 0.031 [95% CI: 0.017, 0.045]). Additionally, O-ARRT induced a delayed neuromuscular potentiation on countermovement jump braking impulse ( P = 0.039, b = 12.2 [95% CI: 0.7, 23.7]) and resulted in greater recovery of perceived fatigue on match day compared to TRA ( P = 0.033, b = − 0.98 [95% CI: − 1.88, − 0.08]). Despite its autoregulatory approach, S-ARRT induced outcomes similar to TRA, likely due to sets terminating close to failure. Perceived recovery and delayed onset of muscle soreness were similar across the three methods. Conclusions These findings suggest that O-ARRT may be an effective strategy for optimizing performance and facilitating recovery during competitive microcycles.