Comparison of Repeat Power Ability During a High-Volume Squat Exercise in Resistance-Trained Males and Females

Background/Objectives: The effect of a high-volume, lower-body resistance exercise session on repeat power ability (RPA), defined as the ability to reach peak power (PP) or near PP during a high-volume resistance training session, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of recovery time and sex on loss of power within and across sets during a high-volume, low-load squat session. Methods: Twenty-five resistance-trained males and females (age = 25.5 ± 7.2 years; ht = 169.8 ± 8.9 cm; wt = 75.9 ± 16.9 kg) completed the study. Mean power output across five sets was measured during two sessions (one-minute rest vs. two-minute rest) using a linear position transducer in random order. Five sets at 45% of the participant’s 1RM were completed until power output decreased below 80% of the participant’s within-set PP for two consecutive repetitions or until volitional exhaustion occurred. The data were analyzed with a three-way ANOVA (recovery time by set by sex). Results: The males demonstrated a significant loss across sets for both the one-minute (194 watts) and two-minute recovery period (104 watts), while no change occurred for females in either condition. The males produced greater mean power across both recovery times and sets (p = 0.017). Further, a significant recovery time-by-set interaction was observed (p = 0.015). Mean power decreased an average of 111.3 watts during the one-minute recovery period compared to a loss of 54.0 watts during the two-minute recovery period. Lastly, within-set fatigue occurred during repetitions 9–11 and 11–14 during the one- and two-minute recovery periods, respectively. Conclusions: The data indicate that greater RPA occurs within and across sets with two minutes of rest. In addition, sex must also be considered when implementing a high-volume resistance training session with the goal of training repeat power ability.