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WeightliftingNCT07088627

Performance and Hormonal Responses to Different Training Modalities in Young Weightlifters: A Randomised Controlled Trial

A study testing Intervention 1: UG, Intervention 2: SG and Intervention 3: MG in people with Weightlifting and Hormone, run by Selcuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Olympic weightlifting is a sport that requires high levels of force production, technical skill, and intermuscular coordination. The effects of strength training during adolescence on performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses are critically important for athlete health and development. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 15 to 20 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Weightlifting, Hormone, Young
What is being tested?
Intervention 1: UG, Intervention 2: SG and Intervention 3: MG
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
32 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
2 Feb 2021to 3 Aug 2022
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 15 to 20 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male sex
  • At least three years of licensed weightlifting experience
  • No serious musculoskeletal injuries in the past year
  • No use of medications, hormones, or supplements during the study
  • Voluntary participation with signed informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Participants outside the specified age range or with noncompliance to inclusion criteria

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Selçuk University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

    Konya, Konya, 42130

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Olympic weightlifting is a sport that requires high levels of force production, technical skill, and intermuscular coordination. The effects of strength training during adolescence on performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses are critically important for athlete health and development.

This study investigated the effects of different strength training methods on snatch (SN) and clean \& jerk (C\&J) performance, anaerobic power levels, and selected hormonal parameters (growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1], total testosterone (TT), insulin (INS), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) in young male weightlifters. A total of 32 male weightlifters participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: undulating strength training (UG) (age: 17.6 ± 1.6 years), serial strength training (SG) (age: 16.9 ± 1.3 years), maximal strength training (MG) (age: 17.3 ± 1.4 years), and a control group (CG) (age: 17.1 ± 1.2 years). The experimental groups underwent sport-specific strength training five days per week for eight weeks. The performance assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for the SN and C\&J lifts, whereas the anaerobic power was measured via the vertical jump test. Hormonal parameters were analyzed via a chemiluminescent autoanalyzer. Paired samples t tests were used for within-group comparisons, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for between-group comparisons.

Read more

The findings revealed significant improvements in SN, C\&J, and anaerobic power performance in the groups subjected to UG, SG, and MG strength training. However, no significant differences were observed between the training groups in terms of performance or hormonal response. While some hormonal parameters increased, others did not significantly change.

Various strength training approaches contribute to improvements in the technical performance and anaerobic power of young weightlifters; however, their effects on hormonal responses appear to be limited. Planning training programs according to individual needs and developmental stages is essential for safeguarding athlete health and supporting long-term performance development.

Read the detailed description

This experimental study examined the effects of three different strength training methods-undulating, serial, and maximal-on Olympic weightlifting performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses in adolescent male athletes. A total of 32 licensed male weightlifters with similar training backgrounds and weight categories were randomly assigned to four groups using stratified randomization. To maintain internal validity, group allocation was based on baseline metrics including age, training history, body weight, and performance measures.

The 8-week training intervention was delivered five days per week, with standardized session structures and rest intervals tailored to each protocol's physiological goals. Training programs targeted the SN and C\&J exercises and were adjusted weekly based on reassessed one-repetition maximum (1RM) values. All sessions were conducted under the supervision of certified coaches to ensure technical consistency.

Anaerobic power was assessed using vertical jump tests, and hormonal measurements (GH, IGF-1, TT, INS and TSH) were obtained through venous blood samples analyzed via chemiluminescence autoanalyzers. To reduce variability, all blood samples were collected in a fasted state at the same time of day before and after the training period.

Blinded testers conducted all performance assessments, and standard operating procedures were applied to enhance reliability. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical tests (paired t-tests, ANOVA with Tukey post hoc analysis) to evaluate within- and between-group differences.

The study received ethical approval from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Selçuk University (Decision No: 07, Date: 28.01.2021). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout the research process.

Being tested
Intervention 1: UG, Intervention 2: SG, Intervention 3: MG
Keywords
hormone levels, strength training methods, performance, weightlifting

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Intervention 1: UGProcedure or surgery

    Participants perform UG targeting SN and C\&J exercises, varying intensity at 80% of 1RM and volume (5 sets of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 repetitions) over weeks. Rest between sets: 90 seconds.

  • Intervention 2: SGProcedure or surgery

    Participants perform SG with SN and C\&J at consistent 80% 1RM intensity, 5 sets of 5 repetitions each session. Rest between sets: 90 seconds.

  • Intervention 3: MGProcedure or surgery

    Participants engage in MG training focusing on SN and C\&J at 100% 1RM, 5 sets of 1 repetition, with 180 seconds rest between sets.

Study groups in NCT07088627
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Arm 1: Undulating Strength Training Group (UG)ExperimentalParticipants in this group follow an undulating periodization strength training protocol focused on the SN and C\&J exercises. Training variables such as intensity (approximately 80% of 1RM) and volume (5 sets with descending repetitions: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) vary weekly to stimulate neuromuscular adaptations. Rest intervals between sets are standardized at 90 seconds to optimize recovery and training quality.
Receives: Procedure: Intervention 1: UG
Arm 2: Serial Strength Training Group (SG)ExperimentalParticipants perform a serial strength training program emphasizing the SN and C\&J exercises, with consistent load progression at approximately 80% of 1RM and a fixed volume of 5 sets of 5 repetitions per session. Rest periods between sets are set at 90 seconds to maintain training intensity and facilitate strength gains.
Receives: Procedure: Intervention 2: SG
Arm 3: Maximal Strength Training Group (MG)ExperimentalThis group engages in maximal strength training focused on high-intensity loads (around 100% of 1RM) with low volume (5 sets of 1 repetition) for SN and C\&J exercises. Longer rest intervals of 180 seconds between sets are implemented to ensure adequate recovery for maximal effort lifts and to optimize peak strength development.
Receives: Procedure: Intervention 3: MG
Arm 4: Control Group (CG)No interventionParticipants maintained their regular weightlifting routines, including the SN and C\&J, without any additional intervention. Typical training loads range between 80-100% 1RM, with volume between 1 to 5 sets of 1 to 3 repetitions, without progressive overload or structured periodization. Rest intervals average 120 seconds between sets.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. 1. SN Performance

    SN performance is assessed by the maximum weight (in kilograms) successfully lifted in a 1RM test, recorded according to official International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards. The direction of improvement is indicated by an increase in lifted weight (kg).

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

  2. 2. C&J Performance

    C\&J performance is assessed by the maximum weight (in kilograms) successfully lifted in a 1RM test according to IWF standards. The direction of improvement is indicated by an increase in lifted weight (kg).

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

  3. 3. Anaerobic Power Performance

    Anaerobic power is estimated using the Sayers equation, calculated from vertical jump height and body weight:

    Anaerobic Power (Watts) = (60.7 × jump height [cm]) + (45.3 × body weight [kg]) - 2055 Higher watt values indicate greater anaerobic power output.

    Measured: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. 1. Serum GH Level

    Venous blood samples were collected between 08:00-09:00 following an overnight fast, both prior to the first training session and 24 hours after the final session. Serum GH levels (ng/mL) were analyzed using chemiluminescence-based autoanalyzers (Roche Elecsys 2010) in a certified laboratory, known for their high sensitivity and specificity. Each sample was measured twice, and the highest value was recorded. An increase or modulation in GH levels was considered indicative of endocrine adaptation.

    Measured: Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

  2. 2. Serum IGF-1 Level

    Venous blood samples were collected and processed in the same manner as for GH-between 08:00-09:00 following an overnight fast, prior to the first and 24 hours after the final training session. Serum IGF-1 levels (ng/mL) were measured using chemiluminescence-based autoanalyzers (Roche Elecsys 2010) in a certified laboratory. Each sample was analyzed twice, and the highest value was recorded. An increase in IGF-1 level was interpreted as an indication of anabolic response.

    Measured: Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

  3. 3. Serum TT Level

    TT levels were measured from venous serum samples collected under the same standardized conditions-between 08:00-09:00 following an overnight fast, prior to the first and 24 hours after the final training session. Measurements were performed using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence-based autoanalyzers (Roche Elecsys 2010) in a certified laboratory. Each sample was analyzed twice, and the highest value was recorded. An increase in testosterone levels was considered indicative of anabolic adaptation.

    Measured: Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

  4. 4. Serum INS Level

    INS concentration in serum was measured using the Roche Elecsys 2010 autoanalyzer following the same protocol-venous blood samples collected between 08:00-09:00 after an overnight fast, before the first and 24 hours after the final training session. Each sample was analyzed twice, and the highest value was used. Changes in insulin levels were interpreted as reflecting metabolic adjustment.

    Measured: Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

  5. 5. Serum TSH Level

    TSH levels were determined using certified chemiluminescence-based analysis. Venous blood samples were collected between 08:00-09:00 following an overnight fast, both before the first and 24 hours after the final training session. Each sample was measured twice, with the highest value recorded. Changes in TSH levels were interpreted as the thyroid regulatory hormone response to training stress.

    Measured: Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted28 Jul 2025
  2. Study start2 Feb 2021
  3. Primary completion19 Nov 2021
  4. Study completion3 Aug 2022

Resources

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
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study uses a randomized parallel group design where participants are assigned to one of four groups: UG, SG, MG, or CG. Each group undergoes a distinct training intervention over eight weeks. The groups are assessed pre- and post-intervention to evaluate differences in weightlifting performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses. The study aims to compare the effects of different strength training protocols on young male weightlifters while maintaining group homogeneity through stratified randomization and blinding of performance testers.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
32 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07088627
Sponsor's protocol ID
07
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
18 Jul 2025
Last updated
28 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: IPD will not be shared due to ethical considerations and participant confidentiality constraints.

Publications

  • Tokay B, Gorucu A. Performance and hormonal responses to different training modalities in young weightlifters: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Feb 19;18(1):150. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01591-2.

    PubMed 41715218

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intervention 1: UG, Intervention 2: SG and Intervention 3: MG in people with Weightlifting and Hormone, run by Selcuk University 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 5 inclusion and 1 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 28 Jul 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?

1. SN Performance (time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07088627, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 28 Jul 2025.

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