Adaptation to Stimulus Pattern

[Guest guest]

It's fairly common to hear advocates of some forms of periodization

state that one must frequently change exercises. They claim the body

will adapt not only to the load imposed but also the pattern of the

stimulus (exercise order, sets, reps, grip spacing, ...), leading to

a situation where increasing the weight will no longer produce a

reasonable level of strength or size gain.

I've read that Westside lifters change max effort exercises every

1-3 weeks, but I understood this more as a method of avoiding the

neurological burnout associated with very high intensities for

prolonged periods rather than a tactic motivated by the discussion

above.

Is there any support in the literature for the notion that

the body will adapt to a routine not just by strength or size

increase but by curtailing adaptation to the same pattern of

stimulation?

Pearson

Central NJ