Intensity; in-ten-si-ty; noun. 1. Often used ambiguously within resistance training. 2. Is it time to drop the term altogether?

摘要

Recently in BJSM, Dr Berkoff highlighted some 'hot topics' in sports and exercise medicine. A variety of topics were covered, all of which were 'hot'. Of particular interest, however, was the fact that Dr Berkoff preceded his article with a definition of 'hot'. Within sports and exercise medicine, and indeed in all scientific disciplines, definitions are of great importance. In fact, "The primary advantage of operational definitions lies in the unification of science and the resolution of controversy." It is the definition and use of a term within a topic that might also be deemed as 'hot' that this editorial attempts to address: Intensity in resistance training (RT). Recent publications regarding RT have attempted to offer clarification on the definition of intensity. Fisher and Smith3 wrote regarding the use of the term intensity within RT suggesting that it is better representative of effort, whereas other authors have considered it synonymous with load. Fisher and Smith2 are not the first to suggest that the use of intensity to refer to load in RT is inappropriate. Others have previously attempted to instigate a change in the language used by researchers and practitioners.