Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young MenDPRTNCT06825052
Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy
A study testing Resistance Training with Deloading Periods and Continuous Resistance Training in people with Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigates the effects of deloading periods (short breaks or reductions in training volume) in a 8-week resistance training program on muscle strength and hypertrophy in young, untrained individuals. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men
- What is being tested?
- Resistance Training with Deloading Periods and Continuous Resistance Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 19 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2024to 20 Aug 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy, untrained individuals (no prior structured resistance training experience for at least 6 months).
- Aged between 18-25 years old.
- No current or recent musculoskeletal injuries affecting exercise performance.
- No diagnosed medical conditions that could interfere with resistance training.
- Willing to participate in an 8-week structured resistance training program.
- No use of performance-enhancing drugs, anabolic steroids, or other muscle-growth supplements.
Who cannot join
- Individuals with prior resistance training experience within the last 6 months.
- Any current or past musculoskeletal injuries or conditions affecting the lower or upper limbs.
- Any diagnosed metabolic, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders that could affect physical performance.
- Individuals currently taking medications that affect muscle function or recovery.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
- Failure to comply with the study protocol (e.g., missing more than 2 training sessions).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, 27350
About this study
Official title: Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Young Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study investigates the effects of deloading periods (short breaks or reductions in training volume) in a 8-week resistance training program on muscle strength and hypertrophy in young, untrained individuals.
Participants were randomly assigned to two training conditions:
Read more
Deload Training Group: Reduced training volume for one week every four weeks. Continuous Training Group: Regular training without reductions. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound, and muscle strength was evaluated through a 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test before and after the intervention.
The findings showed that both training strategies led to significant increases in muscle strength and size, with no major differences between groups. This suggests that incorporating deloading periods does not negatively impact muscle development and may serve as an effective alternative for individuals with time constraints or minor injuries.
This study was conducted at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, with approval from the university's ethics committee.
Read the detailed description
This study examines the effects of deloading periods (planned reductions in training volume and frequency) within an 8-week resistance training program on muscle hypertrophy and strength in untrained young individuals.
The study utilized a randomized within-subject design, where each participant's limbs were assigned to one of two conditions:
Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced during Weeks 4 and 8 to allow for recovery.
Continuous Training Condition: No reductions in training volume were applied. The resistance training program included unilateral leg extension and unilateral dumbbell biceps curl exercises performed twice per week. The training intensity was adjusted to ensure participants reached voluntary muscular failure within the 8-12 repetition range.
Assessments \& Measurements:
Muscle Hypertrophy: Measured using B-mode ultrasound at different quadriceps and biceps locations.
Muscle Strength: Evaluated through 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention.
Statistical Analysis: A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare training conditions, with effect sizes analyzed to determine the significance of adaptations.
The study was approved by the Gaziantep University Health and Sports Sciences Ethics Committee and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines.
- Conditions
- Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men
- Being tested
- Resistance Training with Deloading Periods, Continuous Resistance Training
- Keywords
- Muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, resistance training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Resistance Training with Deloading PeriodsBehavioural
Participants performed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program in which training volume and intensity were reduced during weeks 4 and 8 to facilitate recovery and adaptation.
Continuous Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Participants followed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program without any deloading periods. Training volume and intensity remained consistent throughout the study.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Deload Training | Experimental | Participants in this group followed an 8-week resistance training program with deloading periods every four weeks. During these deload weeks, training volume and intensity were reduced to facilitate recovery while maintaining training adaptations. Receives: Behavioral: Resistance Training with Deloading Periods |
| Continuous Training | Active comparator | Participants in this group followed an 8-week continuous resistance training program with no reductions in training volume or intensity. This group served as a comparison to assess the effects of deloading periods on muscle hypertrophy and strength. Receives: Behavioral: Continuous Resistance Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Muscular Strength
Changes in muscle strength will be assessed using 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention. Strength assessments will be conducted for both the quadriceps (leg extension) and biceps brachii (dumbbell curl).
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Muscle Hypertrophy
Changes in muscle thickness will be measured using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Measurements will be taken at multiple anatomical points on the quadriceps and biceps brachii muscles before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2025
- Study start1 May 2024
- Primary completion25 Jun 2024
- Study completion20 Aug 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young MenStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This study utilizes a crossover within-subject design, where each participant's limbs were assigned to two different training conditions: Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced for one week every four weeks. Continuous Training Condition: Training continued without volume reduction. Each participant performed unilateral leg extension and dumbbell biceps curl exercises twice per week for 8 weeks. One limb was assigned to the deload condition, while the other was assigned to the continuous training condition. This within-subject design was chosen to minimize inter-individual variability and enhance statistical power. Muscle hypertrophy and strength were assessed before and after the intervention using B-mode ultrasound and 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing, respectively.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Gaziantep
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zarife Pancar, University of Gaziantep
- Investigators
- Zarife Pancar Assistant Professor,, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Gaziantep
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06825052
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-02
- Other IDs
- OFS
- Acronym
- DPRT
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 4 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) will be shared with other researchers upon reasonable request. Data will be available after study completion and publication, following ethical approval and data-sharing agreements. Researchers interested in accessing the data may contact the corresponding author.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Young Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06825052
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DPRT / GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-02
- Conditions
- Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men
- Keywords
- Muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, resistance training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 19 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of GaziantepUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Aug 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the effects of deloading periods (short breaks or reductions in training volume) in a 8-week resistance training program on muscle strength and hypertrophy in young, untrained individuals.
Participants were randomly assigned to two training conditions:
Deload Training Group: Reduced training volume for one week every four weeks. Continuous Training Group: Regular training without reductions. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound, and muscle strength was evaluated through a 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test before and after the intervention.
The findings showed that both training strategies led to significant increases in muscle strength and size, with no major differences between groups. This suggests that incorporating deloading periods does not negatively impact muscle development and may serve as an effective alternative for individuals with time constraints or minor injuries.
This study was conducted at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, with approval from the university's ethics committee.
Detailed description
This study examines the effects of deloading periods (planned reductions in training volume and frequency) within an 8-week resistance training program on muscle hypertrophy and strength in untrained young individuals.
The study utilized a randomized within-subject design, where each participant's limbs were assigned to one of two conditions:
Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced during Weeks 4 and 8 to allow for recovery.
Continuous Training Condition: No reductions in training volume were applied. The resistance training program included unilateral leg extension and unilateral dumbbell biceps curl exercises performed twice per week. The training intensity was adjusted to ensure participants reached voluntary muscular failure within the 8-12 repetition range.
Assessments \& Measurements:
Muscle Hypertrophy: Measured using B-mode ultrasound at different quadriceps and biceps locations.
Muscle Strength: Evaluated through 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention.
Statistical Analysis: A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare training conditions, with effect sizes analyzed to determine the significance of adaptations.
The study was approved by the Gaziantep University Health and Sports Sciences Ethics Committee and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study utilizes a crossover within-subject design, where each participant's limbs were assigned to two different training conditions: Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced for one week every four weeks. Continuous Training Condition: Training continued without volume reduction. Each participant performed unilateral leg extension and dumbbell biceps curl exercises twice per week for 8 weeks. One limb was assigned to the deload condition, while the other was assigned to the continuous training condition. This within-subject design was chosen to minimize inter-individual variability and enhance statistical power. Muscle hypertrophy and strength were assessed before and after the intervention using B-mode ultrasound and 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing, respectively.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Deload Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Resistance Training with Deloading PeriodsParticipants in this group followed an 8-week resistance training program with deloading periods every four weeks. During these deload weeks, training volume and intensity were reduced to facilitate recovery while maintaining training adaptations. |
| Continuous Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Continuous Resistance TrainingParticipants in this group followed an 8-week continuous resistance training program with no reductions in training volume or intensity. This group served as a comparison to assess the effects of deloading periods on muscle hypertrophy and strength. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Healthy, untrained individuals (no prior structured resistance training experience for at least 6 months).
- Aged between 18-25 years old.
- No current or recent musculoskeletal injuries affecting exercise performance.
- No diagnosed medical conditions that could interfere with resistance training.
- Willing to participate in an 8-week structured resistance training program.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Individuals with prior resistance training experience within the last 6 months.
- Any current or past musculoskeletal injuries or conditions affecting the lower or upper limbs.
- Any diagnosed metabolic, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders that could affect physical performance.
- Individuals currently taking medications that affect muscle function or recovery.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Training with Deloading PeriodsParticipants performed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program in which training volume and intensity were reduced during weeks 4 and 8 to facilitate recovery and adaptation. | Behavioural | Deload Training |
| Continuous Resistance TrainingParticipants followed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program without any deloading periods. Training volume and intensity remained consistent throughout the study. | Behavioural | Continuous Training |
Primary outcome
Muscular Strength
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Changes in muscle strength will be assessed using 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention. Strength assessments will be conducted for both the quadriceps (leg extension) and biceps brachii (dumbbell curl).
1 secondary outcome
Muscle Hypertrophy
Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Feb 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data (IPD) will be shared with other researchers upon reasonable request. Data will be available after study completion and publication, following ethical approval and data-sharing agreements. Researchers interested in accessing the data may contact the corresponding author.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Zarife Pancar Assistant Professor,, PhD principal investigator
University of Gaziantep
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Resistance Training with Deloading Periods and Continuous Resistance Training in people with Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Muscular Strength (time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Feb 2025.