From Lyle’s and Matt point of view those modes might differ by volume(1/3 on maintenance vs. development) and frequency
(once a week vs. twice a week). There is a consensus that intensity must be held at the same as in development.
Is there any studies to back up the intensity issue?
I know there are some about frequency/volume.

Nothing on hand but strength drops about 2% per week if I remember correctly.

I can’t find a lot of studies on what is needed to maintain strength. I did find a master thesis from the 60s, comparing different programs to maintain strength after off season training in the football season. 4 groups, 2 with no strength training, one with 10rm intensity and one with 1rm intensity.
http://etd.lib.ttu.edu/theses/available/etd-04282009-31295000976901/unrestricted/31295000976901.pdf
Don’t know if it’s relevant to your question, though.

when you say development and maintenance modes, what do you mean exactly? First to gain strength and then to continue maintaining it indefinately?

Karky - 22 June 2010 09:19 PM

I can’t find a lot of studies on what is needed to maintain strength. I did find a master thesis from the 60s, comparing different programs to maintain strength after off season training in the football season. 4 groups, 2 with no strength training, one with 10rm intensity and one with 1rm intensity.
http://etd.lib.ttu.edu/theses/available/etd-04282009-31295000976901/unrestricted/31295000976901.pdf
Don’t know if it’s relevant to your question, though.

Thanks. I’ll check this later

Karky - 22 June 2010 09:19 PM

when you say development and maintenance modes, what do you mean exactly? First to gain strength and then to continue maintaining it indefinately?

I mean strength and size.
Just I have some anecdotal evidence that size might be maintained by much lower intensity then to develop it

Well, I dunno. I searched a bit on pubmed but I didn’t find any studies training people then comparing different programs to maintain.

Thanks, Karky
appreciate your time