The effects of traditional and autoregulation priming methods on neuromuscular performance and recovery outcomes in rugby players: a randomized cross-over trial

Purpose We investigated the effects of traditional (TRA) and two autoregulation resistance priming methods—Objective Autoregulation Rest-Redistribution Training (O-ARRT) and Subjective Autoregulation Rest-Redistribution Training (S-ARRT)—on neuromuscular performance and recovery in highly trained rugby players during competitive microcycles. Methods Twelve athletes completed a randomized, crossover trial consisting of three sessions involving the barbell back squat exercise, matched for volume (24 repetitions), load (80% of 1RM), and total rest time (540 seconds), but differing in set structure. We assessed neuromuscular performance monitoring barbell velocity and mechanical outputs during a countermovement jump, as well as recovery via rating of fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and perceived recovery status responses. Results The O-ARRT method resulted in significantly higher mean session barbell velocity compared to both TRA (p < 0.001, b = 0.032 [95% CI: 0.015, 0.049]) and S-ARRT (p < 0.001, b = 0.031 [95% CI: 0.017, 0.045]). Additionally, O-ARRT induced a delayed neuromuscular potentiation on braking impulse (P = 0.039, b = 12.2 [95% CI: 0.7, 23.7]) and resulted in greater recovery of perceived fatigue on match day compared to TRA (P = 0.033, b = -0.98 [95% CI: -1.88, -0.08]) compared to TRA. Despite using an autoregulatory approach, S-ARRT induced outcomes similar to TRA, likely due to sets terminating close to failure. Perceived recovery and delayed onset of muscle soreness were similar across the three RT methods on match day. Conclusions These findings suggest that O-ARRT may be an effective strategy for optimizing performance and facilitating recovery during competitive microcycles.