Effect of different rest intervals lengths between exercises on repetitions performance

Abstract

Introduction: Rest interval has direct relationship with exercise performance; however, its influence among different training methods is still unknown. Objective: To verify the influence of different rest intervals and training methods on repetition performance. Methods: Seventeen men (23.50 ± 3.54 years; 77.44 ± 7.26 kg; 176.35 ± 1.41 cm; 24.92 ± 2.49 kg/m2) performed four sessions: SEQ1 consisted of one set of Triceps Pulldown (TP) and Biceps Curl (BC), with three minutes of rest interval; SEQ2: one set of TP and BC with 20 seconds between exercises; SEQ3: one set of TP and Lateral Raise (LR) with three minutes; and SEQ4: one set of TP and LR with 20 seconds. Results: SEQ2 presented a reduced number of repetitions compared to other rest protocols and training methods (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The agonist/antagonist method with shorter rest interval led to reductions on repetition performance.