Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto (Canada), 2020
Includes bibliographical references
Purpose: Investigate the effects of low- and high-volume RT combined with critical reflection on muscular size and strength. Methods: This study randomized trained men into two groups: LVR and HVR. Muscle strength was assessed via 3RM tests in the squat, stiff-leg deadlift and leg press. Muscle hypertrophy was evaluated through a combination of DXA, BodPod, and ultrasound (US) measurements. Results: Strength in all compound lifts increased significantly among both groups; between group differences favoured HVR. Significant increases in indicators of hypertrophy were discovered for DXA LBM, FFM via BodPod, and several measures of muscle thickness. Critical reflection improved RT preparedness and chronic performance - albeit to a "low" degree. The main themes that emerged were: training facilitators, obstacles, behaviours, focus, cognitions, exercise technique, effort, mental resilience, recovery. Conclusion: Ecologically-valid RT regimens significantly improve muscular strength and indicators of hypertrophy. Critical reflection was deemed to be beneficial to RT
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest, 2021
