Irmantara Subagio, Fajar Eka Samudra, Adi Pranoto, Dwi Cahyo Kartiko, Oce Wiriawan, Andri Suyoko, Dani Primanata, Bekir Erhan Orhan
Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-load, low-repetition (HLLR) and low-load, high repetition (LLHR) resistance training protocols on muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle damage in active adult males. Materials and methods. This quasi-experimental study involved 28 active adult males aged 18-22 years with a body mass index of 19-23 kg/m2selected to actively participate in the study and given HLLR and LLHR interventions with a frequency of 3x/week for 4 weeks. Data collection was carried out by assessing maximum muscle strength, muscle mass, and muscle damage between baseline (pre) and week 4 (post). Statistical analysis used an independent sample t-test, with a significance level of 95%. Results. There were significant differences between HLLR and LLHR interventions in max strength lower body (effect size (ES): 1.024), max strength upper body (ES: 1.241), and muscle mass (ES: 1.184) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CK activity was found to be significantly reduced in LLHR compared to HLLR (ES: 0.828) (p < 0.05). Conclusions. This study demonstrated that high-load, low-repetition (HLLR) training was more effective for increasing muscle strength and muscle mass, while low-load, high-repetition (LLHR) training reduced muscle damage, as indicated by lower creatine kinase levels. © Subagio, I., Samudra, F. E., Pranoto, A., Kartiko, D. C., Wiriawan, O., Suyoko, A., Primanata, D., & Orhan, B. E., 2025.
Department of Sport Coaching Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jl. Lidah Wetan, Lidah Wetan, Kec. Lakarsantri, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur, 60213, Indonesia; Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jl. Lidah Wetan, Lidah Wetan, Kec. Lakarsantri, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur, 60213, Indonesia; Faculty of Sports Sciences, Istanbul Aydın University, Halit Aydın Campus No:38, Sefaköy–Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, 34295, Turkey
