Acute impact of exercise order on repetition performance, perceived fatigue, and grip endurance in grapplers

Background. Grip performance is a fundamental attribute in grappling sports. Problem and aim. Concurrent training may impact physical function and thus sport-specific training performance. We investigated whether resistance training (RT) exercise order affected repetition performance and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and quantified the impact of RT on gripping in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) grapplers. Material and methods. Twelve BJJ athletes completed two RT sessions in a random order. The sessions incorporated the same four exercises in either alternated order (AO) or grouped order (GO). Three sets were performed to failure using a 10 -repetition maximum (10RM) load. The maximum number of repetitions (MNR) for each set determined repetition performance, and RPE was used to assess fatigue. Grip performance was measured with a maximum static lift (MSL) at baseline and post RT. Results. In both protocols, MNR decreased significantly over time, with no significant protocol x set interaction (p > 0.05). RPE increased over time, with no protocol x set interaction (p > 0.05). Both protocols resulted in reduced MSL (p < 0.001), with no difference in magnitude (p > 0.05). Total training volume, average RPE, and session perceived load (average RPE x session duration) did not differ between protocols (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Exercise order in short, full -body RT programs did not acutely influence repetition performance or perceptions of fatigue in these athletes. Grip endurance was severely compromised following RT, independent of exercise order. Grapplers doing same -day concurrent training should be mindful of the immediate impact of RT on gripping ability.