[b said:
Quote[/b] ]Do you try and increase the weights each session like in HST or do you try and increase the weight each loading phase.
I think it's the former. For most exercises, you work up to the pre-calculated RM, making sure you do all of the reps and sets with proper form and limited rest periods. After the entire loading cycle is over, you recalculate. During deload, you use 10% less of your RM. The DFHT setup is interesting. One loading phase is mostly dedicated to one rep range. Then the next loading phase resembles HST with different rep ranges, oestenibly to emphasize different responses.
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]Depending on how you perform HST, it can be either dual or single factor. If a person does not recover completely between HST sessions but yet keeps pushing, then it's more like dual factor.
When I started on HST a few years ago, I assumed the given program was Dual Factor theory applied to a HIT-style program. Took me a few months to understand why this wasn't true.
Periodization in general is a functional/outcome performance theory (as is HIT) linked to a strength-demonstration model. It is essentially a theory based on historical dialectic. Like all histories, concepts are recursive algorithms of the underlying model; in this case, strength-specific stress theory. In BBing circles, DF enthusiasts argue Dual Factor is a finer, more expansive application of the Supercompensation reasoning process. However, you could say that Dual Factor is Supercompensation chunked up, that is it is the sum response of finer, underlying GAS-y processes. DF is more useful simply because trainees don't want or need more esoteric variables and concepts to evaluate the history of their functional performance.
I basically don't agree with applying DF to hypertrophy because of DF's inherent strength-specific paradigm. Now, I suppose we could use to model the summation/feedback loops involved with metabolic anabolism/catabolism, various protein signaling responses, cumulative sarcolemma disruption vs. repair, remodelling response against progressive peak tension, growth factor concentrations, endocrinal response, etc. But we're mostly stuck with terms like sets and reps and weight.
But, in its original context as a performance-specific model, DF can be useful to manage the CNS fatigue response and metabolic stress during HST. The better your conditioning, the higher degree you can tweak HST up the wazoo. For example, I think people should start out with relatively conservative volume per bodypart, and then either mantain this or steadily increase it through each phase. Moreover, through the 2nd half of their program, they steadily increase the amount of metabolic stress while following progressive overload. This may not necessarily be the optimal way for hypertrophy, but this seems to match well with matching overall workout fatigue with overall conditioning.
cheers,
Jules