Deadlift Biomechanics across Multiple Sets in Resistance Trained Males

Abstract

This study sought to determine whether the deadlift exercise using the 5-by-5 scheme can be performed at a commonly prescribed moderate-to-high load with consistent mechanical output among sets with respect to concentric and eccentric rate of force development [RFD], rate of force attenuation [RFA; i.e., the rate at which the application of force is reduced], total lower limb joint angular work, and the contributions of the individual joints to total lower limb angular work. Twelve resistance-trained males [21 ± 1 y; 1.8 ± 0.56 m; 89.1 ± 15.48 kg] completed five sets of five repetitions of deadlift exercise with a load corresponding to 8 out of 10 on the modified Borg rated perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Body and barbell kinematics [e.g., velocity] and force production [e.g., rate of force development] variables of interest were calculated and averaged across repeated sets. Repeated-measures analyses of variance [α = 0.05] detected no significant differences [p > 0.05] for any variable. Results suggest deadlift exercise using the 5-by-5 scheme at an RPE of 8 can be performed without altered movement or force application across sets. Although these results are preliminary, it appears that deadlift exercise using the current loading scheme can be performed by resistance trained males without concern for movement or mechanical output changes across the five sets.