Comparison of Lateral Raise Variations for Enhancing Deltoid Lateralis Muscle Thickness: Dumbbell vs. Cable in Strength-Trained Individuals

This study aims to compare the effects of dumbbell versus cable lateral raises on the thickness of the deltoid lateralis muscle in strength-trained individuals. The hypothesis is that training with cables, which provide a descending resistance profile, will result in a larger increase in muscle thickness compared to training with dumbbells, which offer an ascending resistance profile. The study will involve 20 strength-trained men and women aged 18-40 years, each with a minimum of three years of resistance training experience and training at least twice a week. Participants will undergo a 10-week training program with 8 weeks of resistance training, including two supervised sessions per week. Each session will consist of 5 sets per exercise for the first 4 weeks and 6 sets for the last 4 weeks, with all sets performed to momentary failure. Muscle thickness will be measured using ultrasound at both proximal and distal sites of the deltoid lateralis before and after the intervention. The study design is within-subject, with limbs randomly assigned to either the dumbbell or cable condition. To ensure consistency, participants will not train other shoulder exercises that could influence the results. The study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of different resistance profiles in hypertrophy training, contributing to optimized training strategies for muscle growth. Data will be openly after the publication to ensure transparency and reproducibility.