Comparison between Linear and Daily Undulating Periodized Training Program for Maximal Strength in Young Men Air Force Cadets

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 8-week Linear (LP) and a
Daily Undulating Periodized (DUP) strength training program on maximal strength in young men cadets. Forty-five healthy male cadets of the Hellenic Air Force Academy (aged 18-22 yrs) were randomly assigned to a LP group, a DUP group or a control (C) group. One repetition maximum (1RM) bench press strength, body mass and body composition were measured just before and right after the completion of the 8 weeks training program. Every two weeks, the LP group gradually decreased the repetitions (from 10 to 4) and increased resistance (from 70% to 90% of 1RM), while the DUP group followed the same pattern, but also altered the repetitions (15 -2) and load of training (60-95% of 1RM) on a daily basis. The weekly volume and intensity were equated for each training program. A two-Way analysis of variance (group x time) with repeated measures on factor «time» and Tukey’s post-hoc analysis were used to analyze the data. The results revealed statistically significant «group» x «time» interaction for maximal bench press strength. Maximal bench press strength significantly increased after the completion of the training program compared to pre-training values in LP (8.1±1.2%) and DUP (10.8±1.7%), but remained unchanged in CG. Body mass and body fat were similarly decreased in all groups (p<.01). In conclusion, comparing the efficiency of the two programmes, both LP and DUP training programmes elicit similar improvement in maximal bench press strength in healthy young males.