Influence of resistance training volume and periodization on physiologicaland performance adaptations in collegiate women tennis players

Few data exist on the long-term adaptations to heavy resistance training in women. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of volu me of resistance exercise on the development of physical performance abilit ies in competitive, collegiate women tennis players. Twenty-four tennis pla yers were matched for tennis ability and randomly placed into one of three groups: a no resistance exercise control group, a periodized multiple-set r esistance training group, or a single-set circuit resistance training group . No significant changes in body mass were observed in any of the groups th roughout the entire training period. However, significant increases in fat- free mass and decreases in percent body fat were observed in the periodized training group after 4, 6, and 9 months of training. A significant increas e in power output was observed after 9 months of training in the periodized training group only. One-repetition maximum strength for the bench press, free-weight shoulder press, and leg press increased significantly after 4, 6, and 9 months of training in the periodized training group, whereas the s ingle-set circuit group increased only after 4 months of training. Signific ant increases in serve velocity were observed after 4 and 9 months of train ing in the periodized training group, whereas no significant changes were o bserved in the single-set circuit group. These data demonstrate that sport- specific resistance training using a periodized multiple-set training metho d is superior to low-volume single-set resistance exercise protocols in the development of physical abilities in competitive, collegiate women tennis players.