A comparison of linear and daily undulating periodized programs with equated volume and intensity for strength

J Strength Cond Res. 2002 May;16(2):250-5.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare linear periodization (LP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) for strength gains. Twenty men (age = 21 +/- 2.3 years) were randomly assigned to LP (n = 10) or DUP (n = 10) groups. One repetition maximum (1RM) was recorded for bench press and leg press as a pre-, mid-, and posttest. Training involved 3 sets (bench press and leg press), 3 days per week. The LP group performed sets of 8 RM during weeks 1-4, 6 RM during weeks 4-8, and 4 RM during weeks 9-12. The DUP group altered training on a daily basis (Monday, 8 RM; Wednesday, 6 RM; Friday, 4 RM). Analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed statistically significant differences favoring the DUP group between T1 to T2 and T1 to T3. Making program alterations on a daily basis was more effective in eliciting strength gains than doing so every 4 weeks.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Arm / physiology
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leg / physiology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Periodicity*
  • Physical Education and Training / methods
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Weight Lifting / physiology*