Influence of Resistance Training Volume on Muscular Fitness and Strength Development in University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.71(1).03Keywords:
resistance training, training volume, muscular fitness, maximal strength, muscular endurance, university studentsAbstract
in young adults. Training volume plays a key role in resistance training adaptations, yet limited research compares different volumes in university students. Objective. This study examined the influence of resistance training volume on muscular fitness and strength development in students aged 20 to 26 years. Methods. Thirty two university students were assigned to a moderate volume group or a high volume group. Both groups trained three times per week for eight weeks at 65 to 80 percent of one repetition maximum. The moderate group performed three sets per exercise, while the high volume group performed five sets. Maximal strength was assessed using bench press and squat one repetition maximum tests. Muscular endurance was evaluated through push up and sit up tests. Paired and independent samples t tests were applied. Results. Both groups showed significant improvements in all variables after training, with p values lower than .001. The high volume group demonstrated greater mean increases across all measures. A significant between group difference was observed in the sit up test, favoring the high volume protocol. Conclusions. Resistance training significantly improves muscular fitness in university students. Both volumes are effective, while higher volume produces greater improvements, especially in muscular endurance.
Article history: Received 2026 February 11; Revised 2026 March 03; Accepted 2026 March 05; Available online 2026 March 30; Available print 2026 April 30.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
The author declare no conflict of interest.
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