a few programs i have read advised to keep the same weight through all of one’s sets. is this more effective than lowering weight to keep in one’s ideal rep range?
It’s most likely program specific. Some say increase, some decrease, others stay the same. For example, I’m currently on GVT, and it states to maintain the same weight throughout the sets. If you can complete that, move up next session. Go with what your program says.
Like Rasslore said, it’s program specific.
With some routines, if you cannot complete all the reps on each set, then you are expected to lower the weight to something that you can handle for the entire set/rep scheme and then increase the weight once you can.
Other routines expect that you won’t be able to complete all the reps for each set and build up to that over in the subsequent sessions.
aside from the programs i am curious what is plainly more effective
Plainly? Neither. Both are effective methods. They say the most effective program is the one you aren’t using. Go with one program for a few weeks or until you stop making progress and then switch to the next.
It depends on what your training for as well. If your training for strength, you’d probably be better off keeping the weight the same for all sets, and decreasing the reps as you fatigue.
If your training for hypertrophy, you could probably get away with reducing the weight to keep the reps up.
If you have to reduce the weight to get the same number of reps as you did on your first set, then its likely some of your largest Motor units have fatigued and dropped off. Do you really need more stimulus beyond that?
I like the phrase “stimulate dont annihilate”