AUTHOR=Rodríguez-Zamora Lara , Padial Paulino , Schoenfeld Brad Jon , Feriche Belén 

TITLE=Mean Propulsive Velocity Is a Viable Method for Adjusting the Resistance-Training Load at Moderate Altitude

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=1

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2019.00052

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2019.00052

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=<p>We examined the viability of using mean propulsive velocity (MPV) to adjust the load in the countermovement jump (CMJ) at moderate altitude. Twenty-four volunteers were assigned to a 4-week power-oriented resistance training (R<sub>T</sub>) program in either normoxia (N, 690 m) or intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH, 2,320 m). The load was adjusted to maintain execution velocity of CMJ at 1m·s<sup>−1</sup> of MPV. Relative peak power output (P<sub>rel</sub>), and percentage of velocity loss throughout the sets (VL) were determined for each session. The internal load was measured by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The absolute load lifted was higher in IH compared to N (75.6 ± 8.4 vs. 58.5 ± 12.3 kg <italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.001). However, similar relative increases for both groups were found when comparing the final values (IH: 8.2%, <italic>P</italic> = 0.007; N: 9.8%, <italic>P</italic> = 0.03) with no changes in VL between groups (<italic>P</italic> = 0.36). Post-study P<sub>rel</sub> improved significantly only in IH (+7% W·kg<sup>−1</sup>, <italic>P</italic> = 0.002). Mean RPE was greater in IH vs. N (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2, <italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.001). The MPV seems to be a viable method for adjusting external load during R<sub>T</sub> at moderate altitude. However, given that R<sub>T</sub> at moderate altitude increases RPE, it is prudent to monitor internal load when using the MPV to best determine the actual physiological stress of the session.</p>