Wrestlers reveal similar growth factors and hormonal concentration responses to resistance training with active compared to passive recovery between sets: results from a pilot study

We investigated the effect of resistance training using active or passive recovery periods between sets on growth factors. Eighteen wrestlers were randomly divided into two groups, and performed 4-weeks (35-50% 1RM) of resistance training with active or passive recovery between sets (RTA vs. RTP). In RTA, each exercise consisted of three sets with 10-repetition (each set lasting for 15 sec) with 15sec of static contractions between sets as recovery; in RTP consisted of five sets with 10-reptition (each set lasting for 15 sec) with 15sec of passive recovery between sets. Blood samples were collected before and after (10 h fasting) the intervention program. Following 4-week, testosterone, GH and IGF-1 increased significantly in both groups (p<0.05); however, testosterone and GH increased more in the RTA group (p<0.05). Myostatin and follistatin showed no significant changes (p>0.05). Both RTA and RTP had no effect on myostatin and follistatin, but improved hormone concentration.