Comparison of DeLorme with Oxford resistance training techniques: effects of training on muscle damage markers

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was comparing DeLorme with Oxford methods through ten repetition maximum (10 RM) performance and serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Methods: Before and after four weeks of training with the DEL (n=16) or OXF (n=16) resistance training (RT) methods, rest and post exercise serum CK activity, serum LDH activity and 10 RM performance were measured and compared. Results: Both methods provide higher 10 RM results after training without significant differences between groups (p<0.05). Rest and post exercise CK and LDH activity was less after training with DeLorme (DEL) and Oxford (OXF), but the magnitude of the relative peak response (48-hr our 72-hr post exercise, respectively) was higher after each training protocol. Comparisons of CK activity between groups display non-significant differences. Conclusion: DEL or OXF training methods cause the same improvement on muscle performance and both alters CK activity without differences between methods in a 4-week RT program.

Full text

Biology of Sport, Vol. 27 No2, 2010
77
Reprint request to:
Marco Machado
Laboratório de Fisiologia e Biocinética
(UNIG – Campus V)
Coordenação de Educação Física
Universidade Iguaçu (UNIG)
BR 356 - Km 02 Itaperuna, RJ, Brazil
CEP 28.300-000
Email: marcomachado1@gmail.com
Accepted
for publication
15.12.2009
INTRODUCTION
Resistance Training (RT) is indicated for muscle hypertrophy, strength
gain, sport performance and physical rehabilitation, but in the last
few years it has been promoted as a means for health promotion and
disease prevention [1,9]. The design of an effective RT program is
a complex process of applying with synergism established scientic
principles, progressive research findings, veteran and modern
practices, and professional knowledge to accommodate individual
situations, needs, and goals. Differing from a professional athletes
training, the recreational consumer exercise program should focus
on improvements in muscular health and tness [14]. Historically,
a quantiable relationship between the volume, intensity, and/or
frequency of training, and muscular strength improvements, has been
elusive and controversial in RT. For many years, personal opinion
and the accounts of several unscientic literature reviews were the
primary sources of evidence to support a variety of RT philosophies
[3,14].
The American College of Sports Medicine position stand entitled
“Progression Models in Resistance Training for Healthy Adults” [1]
provides a framework for training prescription guidelines relative
COMPARISON OF DELORME WITH OXFORD
RESISTANCE TRAINING TECHNIQUES:
EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON MUSCLE DAMAGE
MARKERS
AUTHORS: da Silva D.P. 1, Curty V.M. 1, Areas J.M.2, Souza S.C.3, Hackney A.C. 4,
Machado M.1
1Laboratory of Physiology and Biokinetics (UNIG – Campus V)
2Pharmacy Basic of Muniz Freire (ES)
3Faculties of Philosophy, Sciences and Languages of Alegre (ES)
4Applied Physiology Laboratory, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA)
ABSTRACT: Aim: The purpose of this study was comparing DeLorme with Oxford methods through ten repetition
maximum (10 RM) performance and serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity.
Methods: Before and after four weeks of training with the DEL (n=16) or OXF (n=16) resistance training (RT)
methods, rest and post exercise serum CK activity, serum LDH activity and 10 RM performance were measured
and compared. Results: Both methods provide higher 10 RM results after training without signicant differences
between groups (p<0.05). Rest and post exercise CK and LDH activity was less after training with DeLorme
(DEL) and Oxford (OXF), but the magnitude of the relative peak response (48-hr our 72-hr post exercise, respectively)
was higher after each training protocol. Comparisons of CK activity between groups display non-signicant
differences. Conclusion: DEL or OXF training methods cause the same improvement on muscle performance and
both alters CK activity without differences between methods in a 4-week RT program.
KEY WORDS: creatine kinase, resistance training, micro-damage
to the need for progression in healthy novice, intermediate, and
advanced trainees. This position stand recommends for novice and
intermediate’s gain strength then intensity between 60-70% of
1 repetitions maximum (1RM) for 8-12 repetitions is necessary.
Regrettably, however, the certain aspects of the methods of RT were
poorly commented on in the ACSM’s position stand.
Thomas DeLorme’s work in the 1940 s proposes a progressive
resistance exercise (PRE) program based on 10 repetitions maximum
(10RM) where subject begins sets of training by performing the rst
set of 10 at 50% 10RM, the second at 75% 10RM and the third
(nal) at the 10RM. This same author suggested that PRE overloaded
a muscle by increasing the magnitude of the weight against which
the muscle developed tension. In opposite was created the ‘Oxford
Technique’ in which the full 10RM was the rst set and subsequent
two sets were reduced to 75% and to 50% of the 10RM. Apparently,
a sparse number of research studies have directly compared
these two RT methods. Interestingly in one such comparison,
Fish et al. [7] reported no signicant differences between both RT
methods on strength gains.
Original Paper Biol. Sport 2010;27:77-81
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78
D.P. da Silva et al.
It has been suggested that RT may cause muscle cell membrane
disruption. This may be a consequence of both metabolic and
mechanical causes. Indeed, exhausted muscle bers exhibit increased
membrane permeability following an increase in internal free calcium
ions, which promotes the opening of potassium channels and
activation of proteolytic enzymes such as calpaines and caspases
[2,6,12]. Exercise induced muscle micro-injury leads to cellular
damage with membrane disruption and leakage into the extracellular
uid and plasma. Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),
myoglobine have been used extensively as markers for skeletal muscle
micro-injury [5,11,15]. These enzymes have also been proposed as
scientic parameters for gauging muscle training adaptation efcacy
in athletes [2,11].
Because of the limited amount of research available, this study
was conduced to examine the effectiveness of the DeLorme’s versus
Oxford methods of RT training on strength performance and muscle
adaptations. To this end, muscle strength gains and the activity of
CK response were examined before and after four weeks of each
method of RT program in young men.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The subjects were men free from physical disease and were excluded
from consideration if they were not currently lifting weights, had
knee contractures, a prior history of knee surgery, and/or chronic
knee and/or low back pain. Subjects were divided according to
a computer generated randomization list into the DeLorme (DEL;
n=16) or Oxford (OXF; n=16) RT protocols. Comparisons of both
protocol groups in terms of age, height, and body weight was done
prior to initial strength testing and were found to be equivalent
(p>0.05; see Table 1). Pre- and Post-training strength of both
lower limbs was determined by ten repetitions maximal (10 RM) for
the Half Squat exercise. The experimental conditions were in
accordance with federal and institutional guidelines for human
subject’s research.
To minimize possible errors in the 10 RM testing, the following
strategies were employed: (a) all subjects received standard
instructions on exercise technique, (c) exercise technique was
monitored and corrected as needed, and (d) all subjects received
verbal encouragement.
A rest interval of seven days after the 10RM testing was provided
to the subjects (Fig. 1), all subjects were instructed to not perform
exercises of any kind during this period. On the 8th day (PRE Test
Day) they return to the laboratory and peripheral blood samples
were obtained (see below). After a warm up (jogging and stretching)
they performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions of the Half Squat exercise.
In accordance with previous randomized process, DEL group started
their 1st set of 10 repetitions at 50% of 10 RM, the 2nd set of 10
at 75% of 10 RM, and the 3rd set of 10 at 10 RM. The OXF group
performed their sets in the reverse order of 10 RM, 75% of 10RM
and 50% of 10 RM [7]. The repetition cadence was controlled with
a digital sound signal (Beat Test & Training, CEFISE, Brazil) that
was adjusted so that each repetition was completed in 3 seconds
(one second concentric phase, two seconds eccentric phase).
DEL Group
(n = 16)
OXF Group
(n = 16)
Age (years) 22.5±6.9 23.4±4.7
Height (cm) 173.1±6.7 175.5±7.9
Weight (Kg) 71.4±9.4 71.9±8.5
10RM (Kg) 88.6±11.4 93.4±11.6
Erythrocytes (x106/l) 5.3±4.3 5.2±3.2
Haemoglobin (g/dl) 14.4±1.4 15.3±1.2
Hematocrit (%) 46.5±4.2 44.5±7.0
Leucocytes (x109/l) 6.4±1.8 6.2±1.3
Basolphils (/mm3) 0.0±0.0 0.0±0.0
Eosinophils (/mm3) 244.6±105.9 304.4±171.5
Myelocytes (/mm3) 0.0 0.0
Bands (/mm3) 180.6±98.7 173.1±76.3
Segmented (/mm3) 3813.4±1542.0 3545.8±836.6
Lymphocytes (/mm3) 1932.8±349.9 1911.0±434.4
Monocytes (/mm3) 191.2±69.1 153.3±62.9
TABLE 1.
PARTICIPANTS CHARACTERISTICS (MEAN ± SE)
FIG. 2. Net change score in muscle strength. No signicant difference
between RT method groups was observed (Net Change Score was obtained
by subtracting the initial 10RM scores from the nal 10RM scores).
FIG. 1. Time line of the study
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Biology of Sport, Vol. 27 No2, 2010
79
Resistance training methods and CK
There was a two-minute rest between each set. Subsequently, blood
samples were collected again at 24, 48 and 72 hours after the rst
blood sample collection.
On the days of exercise training (days 15 to 38), always on
Monday and Thursday of each week, the subjects performed some
light stretching and warm-up exercises such as a mild walking for
10 to 15 minutes. Immediately after the warm-up, the DEL group
realizes 3 sets of 10 repetitions of Half Squat in accordance with
DeLorme protocol and the OXF group realize in accordance with
Oxford protocol as described by Fish et al. [7]. All procedures were
identical with PRE Test day. A spotter gave minimal assistance
if necessary so that the ten repetitions were completed for all three
sets of the exercise. Therefore, the volume of work ([load] x [sets]
x [repetitions]) was equalized between the experimental sessions.
As the subjects were of a moderate activity level (i.e., exercise training
history), we choose the 2 sessions of training per week because
research supports this is sufcient for strength gain [13,14,16,17].
At the end of four weeks of training, the same muscle performance
tests for strength evaluation were employed. A post-training
10RM were done to determine if a gain in strength occurred.
As a experimental control, the director of both the pre and post-
strength testing was blinded as to the training assignment (Del vs.
OXF) for each participant. One week later the procedures of PRE
Test day were repeated and this test was named POST Test Day.
Four blood samples were collected before the POST Test Day and 24,
48, and 72 hours afterwards as had been previously done.
All blood samples were venous and collected using veni-puncture
from the forearm while the subjects were in a seated position.
After collection, the blood samples were centrifuged for serum
separation. Serum was quickly frozen and stored at -70°C. From serum
samples activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) was determined. An enzymatic method at 37° C was used for
enzymes activity analysis using high reliable, commercially available
kits (BioTécnica - Brazil) in Cobas Mira Plus analyzer (Roche -
Germany).
Statistically, we computed a net change score by subtracting
the initial 10 RM (PRE Test Day) scores from the nal 10 RM (POST
Test Day) scores. Mean net change scores between protocol groups
were then compared by using a student’s t-test. The 2 (DEL vs OXF) x
2 (PRE vs POST) ANOVA was used to compare CK and LDH variations.
For all parametric analysis an alpha of 0.05 was used.
RESULTS
The anthropometric, hematological and performance characteristics
between groups is identical (Table 1). The hematocrit, erythrocytes
and hemoglobin concentration remained stable and relatively
homogeneous during the experimental protocol (data not show).
Fig. 3 shows the changes in CK after the DEL protocol
(PRE vs POST training). Serum CK activity responses for the both
testing times began to increase signicantly from the baseline
responses 24-hours after testing, reaching peak values at 48-hours
FIG. 3. Serum CK activity (mean±SD) in DEL group. (*) differences between
PRE and POST (p<0.05); (a) Different from 0h (p<0.05); (b) Different from
24h (p<0.05)
FIG. 4. Serum CK activity (mean±SD) in OXF group. (*) differences between
PRE and POST (p<0.05); (a) Different from 0h (p<0.05); (b) Different from
24h (p<0.05)
FIG. 5. Serum LDH activity (mean±SD) in DEL group. (*) differences
between PRE and POST (p<0.05); (a) Different from 0h (p<0.05); (b)
Different from 24h (p<0.05)
FIG. 6. Serum LDH activity (mean±SD) in OXF group. (*) differences
between PRE and POST (p<0.05); (a) Different from 0h (p<0.05); (b)
Different from 24h (p<0.05)
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80
D.P. da Silva et al.
post-exercise testing (p<0.05). All measurement time comparisons
were signicantly different between PRE and POST tests (p<0.05).
Fig. 4 shows the changes in CK after the OXF protocol (PRE vs
POST training). Serum CK activity responses increase signicantly
from the baseline responses 24-hours after testing, reaching peak
values at 48-hours post-exercise testing (p<0.01). All measurement
time comparisons were signicantly different between PRE and POST
tests (p<0.05).
Figs. 5 and 6 represent the results of serum LDH activity.
All results were similar to those of serum CK activity displayed on
Figs. 3 and 4, but different from CK the peak was found 72 hours
after exercise in both methods.
Although the absolute CK and LDH activity was lower in POST
testing measurements, the relative percentage of change were actually
higher for each RT treatment group (p<0.05). The greatest relative
change was observed for peak responses. That is, the differences
between peak and baseline serum enzymes activity were ~50%
higher after each training protocol (Fig. 7a and 7b).
DISCUSSION
In accordance with Fish et al. [7], the results of present study
displayed the same absolute strength gains independent of
the DeLorme or Oxford method utilized. The strength gain is
important for many protocols as athletic performance, disease
prevention and rehabilitation exercises. The options of training
method can attend the personal preference of athlete/patient
because the strength gain is equivalent.
The serum CK activity we observed can serve to verify if the training
protocol is adequate. Higher serum CK activity associated with other
clinical signals and symptoms suggest the excessive training regime
and skeletal muscle lesion. Conversely, lower values can signify the
training planning do not promote the adaptations [11]. Mougios [11]
proposes values for serum CK activities for athletes with an aim for
providing parameters for coaches, athletes and sport physicians.
In the present study, the serum CK activities always were inside
the values proposed for Mougios [11]. This nding suggests a safety
in DeLorme and Oxford methods of RT when applied in the fashion
used here within.
Serum LDH activity was higher after exercise as CK activity.
The data of the variation in serum LDH activity conrm the data
found in serum CK activity. The LDH also seen being used in several
studies [4,5,15], but in smaller quantities that CK. Our results show
the peak in LDH activity 72 hours after exercises, these data
corroborate the data of Chen & Hsieh [4].
Tidball [19] describes the importance of the inammatory process
inuencing the muscle hypertrophy, the principal stimulus for that is
the micro-damage when induced by exercise. A practical method for
micro-damage verication is the serum CK activity as measured in
the blood [2]. Both, DeLorme and Oxford methods alters the serum
CK activity, suggesting the micro-damage and the inammatory
process response to the training. In the present study the time of
FIG. 7a. Changes in CK activity before and after training in groups DEL and
OXF. (*) signicant difference from PRE responses (p<0.05)
FIG. 7b. Changes in LDH activity before and after training in groups DEL
and OXF. (*) signicant difference from PRE responses (p<0.05
training was only four-weeks, consensual data [8] indicates this is
an insufficient interval for hypertrophy adaptation within
the muscle, and thus the strength gains would most likely provided
from neural adjustments. The data from CK activity were totally
in accordance with previous studies, with a serum CK peak
elevation at 48h as has been observed in many others studies
[2,6,11,12,18].
Two points concerning the study must be considered:
the subjects were of a moderate activity level and the RT protocols
were only four weeks in duration. Least one limitation of the study,
the training status was choice in accordance with the prescription
recommendation for the methods of training. That is, more complex
methods, with higher intensity-volume demands should not be
prescribed for novices [1,10].
Mougios [11] and Branccacio et al. [2] propose higher values for
CK activity on athletes during training period when compared with
non-athletes individuals. The constant mechanical and metabolic
stress of athletic training results in maintenance of higher CK
levels. Our results demonstrate lower values post of the training
regimes we examined. This result apparently is contradictory with
previous reports (above), but we provided one week of rest to
the subjects before the baseline post-training measurement.
In fact, many studies [6,12,18] display reduction on CK
level 5-7 days after exercise when a rest period is provided.
Based on the ndings of Chen and Hsien [4] and Saka et al. [18]
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Biology of Sport, Vol. 27 No2, 2010
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REFERENCES
we postulated such an adjustment occurred in our subjects induced
by the training-rest protocol.
Serum LDH activity conrms the data from CK activity, both
enzymes display similar comportment (except peak hour) in PRE
and POST training measures. The smaller activity before training
corroborates the data from CK and can postulate the adjustment
process induced by the two compared RT methods. In accordance
with CK activity, despite nd lower values in the enzyme activity,
the change until the peak was higher after both RT methods.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show that there were no significant
differences between the DeLorme or Oxford methods of RT on
muscle performance or on serum enzymes activity responses over
a 4 week period. Each method of training resulted in signicant, but
comparable, muscle strength gains and a low risk of injury. Thus
the choice of one or another of these RT methods is acceptable
for moderately active men.
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