Effects of Low-Load, High-Repetition Resistance Training on Maximum Muscle Strength and Muscle Damage in Elite Weightlifters: A Preliminary Study.

This study aimed to assess the impact of different resistance training (RT) loads and repetition on muscle damage, intramuscular anabolic signaling, and maximal muscle strength (MMS) in weightlifters. Eighteen male weightlifters were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of supervised RT regimes: high-load, low-repetition (HL), low-load, high-repetition (LH), and combination of HL and LH (COMBI). All groups exhibited a significant increase in skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and growth hormone levels, which ultimately contributed to improvement in MMS as indicated by 1-repetition maximum in the back squat and back muscle strength.