Strength Training AdaptationsNCT07910188
Effects of Traditional and Cluster Set Resistance Training on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Power
A study testing Traditional Set Resistance Training, Three-Repetition Cluster Set Training and Six-Repetition Cluster Set Training in people with Strength Training Adaptations, run by GÜRKAN DİKER at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to compare the effects of traditional resistance training and two different cluster set configurations on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, and explosive performance. 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
- Strength Training Adaptations
- What is being tested?
- Traditional Set Resistance Training, Three-Repetition Cluster Set Training and Six-Repetition Cluster Set Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- Oct 2026to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- University students aged 18-25 years. Apparently healthy individuals without medical contraindications to resistance exercise.
- Ability to perform half-squat and bench-press exercises with appropriate technique.
- Willingness to participate in the six-week resistance training program. Provision of written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that could interfere with resistance training or performance testing.
- Cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases that contraindicate high-intensity resistance exercise.
- Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids or other performance-enhancing substances. Inability to safely complete the prescribed resistance training exercises. Participation in another structured resistance training intervention during the study period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Sivas
Gürkan Diker, +905053403526, gdiker@cumhuriyet.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Effects of Traditional and Two Cluster Set Configurations on Muscle Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Explosive Performance: A Six-Week Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aims to compare the effects of traditional resistance training and two different cluster set configurations on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three resistance training groups: a traditional set group (TS), a cluster set group with three-repetition clusters (CS1), or a cluster set group with six-repetition clusters (CS2).
Read more
All groups will complete a six-week resistance training program involving half squats and bench presses. The training protocols will differ primarily in how repetitions and rest intervals are organized within and between sets.
Muscle strength, muscle size, and explosive performance will be assessed before and after the training intervention using standardized performance tests and body composition measurements.
The study aims to determine whether different distributions of rest periods during resistance training produce different adaptations in muscular strength, hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
Read the detailed description
Resistance training is widely used to improve muscle strength, hypertrophy, and neuromuscular performance. Traditional resistance training generally involves performing consecutive repetitions within a set, followed by a rest interval between sets. In contrast, cluster set configurations incorporate short rest intervals between smaller groups of repetitions within a set.
The distribution of repetitions and recovery periods may influence accumulated fatigue, the ability to maintain exercise performance, and subsequent training adaptations. However, the extent to which different cluster configurations produce distinct long-term adaptations remains unclear.
This randomized controlled study will compare three resistance training configurations: traditional sets (TS), clusters of three repetitions (CS1), and clusters of six repetitions (CS2).
Before baseline testing, all participants will complete two familiarization sessions to learn and practice proper half-squat and bench-press techniques. These sessions will be conducted to standardize exercise execution and reduce potential learning effects during subsequent strength assessments.
The intervention will last six weeks and will include half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 repetitions. The traditional set group will perform consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest, whereas the CS1 and CS2 groups will perform repetitions in clusters of three and six, respectively. Intra-set rest intervals of 30 seconds will be provided between clusters, and all groups will receive 120 seconds of rest between sets. Training intensity will be prescribed relative to each participant's one-repetition maximum and progressively increased from 65% to 75% throughout the intervention.
The primary research hypothesis is that differences in repetition and rest interval organization may result in different adaptations in maximal muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding how different cluster set configurations influence resistance training adaptations.
- Conditions
- Strength Training Adaptations
- Being tested
- Traditional Set Resistance Training, Three-Repetition Cluster Set Training, Six-Repetition Cluster Set Training
- Keywords
- Cluster Set Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Traditional Set Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Participants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest, with 120 seconds of rest between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Three-Repetition Cluster Set TrainingBehavioural
Participants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into four clusters of three repetitions (3+3+3+3). A 30-second rest interval will be provided between clusters, and 120 seconds of rest will be provided between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).
Six-Repetition Cluster Set TrainingBehavioural
Participants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into two clusters of six repetitions (6+6). A 30-second rest interval will be provided between clusters, and 120 seconds of rest will be provided between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Sets (TS) | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform traditional resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest intervals. Rest will be provided between sets. Training will be performed over six weeks, with intensity progressively increased relative to one repetition maximum. A 120-second rest interval will be provided between sets. Receives: Behavioral: Traditional Set Resistance Training |
| Cluster Sets 1 (CS1) | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform half-squat and bench-press exercises using three-repetition clusters. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into four clusters of three repetitions (3+3+3+3), with 30-second intra-set rest intervals between clusters and 120-second rest intervals between sets. Training will last six weeks, with progressively adjusted intensity based on 1RM. Receives: Behavioral: Three-Repetition Cluster Set Training |
| Cluster Sets 2 (CS2) | Experimental | articipants in this group will perform half-squat and bench-press exercises using six-repetition clusters. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into two clusters of six repetitions (6+6), with a 30-second intra-set rest interval between clusters and 120-second rest intervals between sets. Training will last six weeks, with progressively adjusted intensity based on 1RM. Receives: Behavioral: Six-Repetition Cluster Set Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Half-Squat One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Maximal dynamic strength of the lower body will be assessed using a standardized half-squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. The maximum load successfully lifted will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention (post-intervention).
Change in Bench-Press One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Maximal dynamic strength of the upper body will be assessed using a standardized bench-press one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. The maximum load successfully lifted will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention (post-intervention).
Change in Pectoralis Major Cross-Sectional Area
Right pectoralis major cross-sectional area will be assessed using B-mode ultrasonography with extended field-of-view imaging. Three images will be obtained, and cross-sectional area will be quantified using ImageJ software by tracing the muscle boundaries. Results will be expressed in cm².
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention.
Change in Bilateral Rectus Femoris Muscle Thickness
Rectus femoris muscle thickness will be assessed bilaterally using B-mode ultrasonography at 50% of the distance between the greater trochanter and lateral femoral epicondyle. Five images will be obtained for each leg. Muscle thickness will be determined as the perpendicular distance between the superficial and deep aponeuroses, and the mean of five measurements will be recorded separately for each leg.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention.
Secondary outcomes (3)
Standing Medicine Ball Chest Throw Distance
Upper-body explosive performance will be assessed using a standing two-handed chest throw with a 5-kg medicine ball. Participants will throw the ball forward from chest level, and throwing distance will be recorded in meters (m).
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Standing Horizontal Jump Distance
Lower-body horizontal explosive performance will be assessed using the standing horizontal jump test. Participants will perform a maximal forward jump from a stationary standing position using a two-legged take-off and landing. Jump distance will be measured in centimeters (cm), from the take-off line to the nearest landing mark.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Body Composition Assessed by DXA
Total body composition will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Total body lean mass and fat mass will be measured in kilograms (kg). Changes in both variables from baseline to post-intervention will be evaluated to determine the effects of the different resistance training protocols on body composition.
Measured: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Nov 2026
- Study startOct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Strength Training AdaptationsStudies 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
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study uses a three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled design. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three resistance training conditions: traditional sets (TS), cluster sets with three-repetition clusters (CS1), or cluster sets with six-repetition clusters (CS2). Each group will complete a six-week resistance training intervention involving half squats and bench presses. The intervention groups will differ in the organization of repetitions and rest intervals. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- GÜRKAN DİKER
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, GÜRKAN DİKER, Cumhuriyet University
- Investigators
- Gürkan Diker, Principal investigator, Cumhuriyet University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07910188
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SCU-CS-2026-01
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: The decision to share de-identified individual participant data has not yet been finalized. Data sharing will be considered after study completion, taking into account participant confidentiality, informed consent, and institutional ethical requirements.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Traditional and Two Cluster Set Configurations on Muscle Strength, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Explosive Performance: A Six-Week Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07910188
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SCU-CS-2026-01
- Conditions
- Strength Training Adaptations
- Keywords
- Cluster Set Training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- GÜRKAN DİKERUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Nov 2026 (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 aims to compare the effects of traditional resistance training and two different cluster set configurations on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three resistance training groups: a traditional set group (TS), a cluster set group with three-repetition clusters (CS1), or a cluster set group with six-repetition clusters (CS2).
All groups will complete a six-week resistance training program involving half squats and bench presses. The training protocols will differ primarily in how repetitions and rest intervals are organized within and between sets.
Muscle strength, muscle size, and explosive performance will be assessed before and after the training intervention using standardized performance tests and body composition measurements.
The study aims to determine whether different distributions of rest periods during resistance training produce different adaptations in muscular strength, hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
Detailed description
Resistance training is widely used to improve muscle strength, hypertrophy, and neuromuscular performance. Traditional resistance training generally involves performing consecutive repetitions within a set, followed by a rest interval between sets. In contrast, cluster set configurations incorporate short rest intervals between smaller groups of repetitions within a set.
The distribution of repetitions and recovery periods may influence accumulated fatigue, the ability to maintain exercise performance, and subsequent training adaptations. However, the extent to which different cluster configurations produce distinct long-term adaptations remains unclear.
This randomized controlled study will compare three resistance training configurations: traditional sets (TS), clusters of three repetitions (CS1), and clusters of six repetitions (CS2).
Before baseline testing, all participants will complete two familiarization sessions to learn and practice proper half-squat and bench-press techniques. These sessions will be conducted to standardize exercise execution and reduce potential learning effects during subsequent strength assessments.
The intervention will last six weeks and will include half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 repetitions. The traditional set group will perform consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest, whereas the CS1 and CS2 groups will perform repetitions in clusters of three and six, respectively. Intra-set rest intervals of 30 seconds will be provided between clusters, and all groups will receive 120 seconds of rest between sets. Training intensity will be prescribed relative to each participant's one-repetition maximum and progressively increased from 65% to 75% throughout the intervention.
The primary research hypothesis is that differences in repetition and rest interval organization may result in different adaptations in maximal muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, and explosive performance.
The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding how different cluster set configurations influence resistance training adaptations.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- This study uses a three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled design. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three resistance training conditions: traditional sets (TS), cluster sets with three-repetition clusters (CS1), or cluster sets with six-repetition clusters (CS2). Each group will complete a six-week resistance training intervention involving half squats and bench presses. The intervention groups will differ in the organization of repetitions and rest intervals. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Sets (TS) | Experimental | Behavioral: Traditional Set Resistance TrainingParticipants in this group will perform traditional resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest intervals. Rest will be provided between sets. Training will be performed over six weeks, with intensity progressively increased relative to one repetition maximum. A 120-second rest interval will be provided between sets. |
| Cluster Sets 1 (CS1) | Experimental | Behavioral: Three-Repetition Cluster Set TrainingParticipants in this group will perform half-squat and bench-press exercises using three-repetition clusters. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into four clusters of three repetitions (3+3+3+3), with 30-second intra-set rest intervals between clusters and 120-second rest intervals between sets. Training will last six weeks, with progressively adjusted intensity based on 1RM. |
| Cluster Sets 2 (CS2) | Experimental | Behavioral: Six-Repetition Cluster Set Trainingarticipants in this group will perform half-squat and bench-press exercises using six-repetition clusters. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into two clusters of six repetitions (6+6), with a 30-second intra-set rest interval between clusters and 120-second rest intervals between sets. Training will last six weeks, with progressively adjusted intensity based on 1RM. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- University students aged 18-25 years. Apparently healthy individuals without medical contraindications to resistance exercise.
- Ability to perform half-squat and bench-press exercises with appropriate technique.
- Willingness to participate in the six-week resistance training program. Provision of written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that could interfere with resistance training or performance testing.
- Cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic diseases that contraindicate high-intensity resistance exercise.
- Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids or other performance-enhancing substances. Inability to safely complete the prescribed resistance training exercises. Participation in another structured resistance training intervention during the study period.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Set Resistance TrainingParticipants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set will consist of 12 consecutive repetitions without intra-set rest, with 120 seconds of rest between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). | Behavioural | Traditional Sets (TS) |
| Three-Repetition Cluster Set TrainingParticipants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into four clusters of three repetitions (3+3+3+3). A 30-second rest interval will be provided between clusters, and 120 seconds of rest will be provided between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). | Behavioural | Cluster Sets 1 (CS1) |
| Six-Repetition Cluster Set TrainingParticipants will perform six weeks of resistance training using half-squat and bench-press exercises. Each set of 12 repetitions will be divided into two clusters of six repetitions (6+6). A 30-second rest interval will be provided between clusters, and 120 seconds of rest will be provided between sets. Training intensity will progressively increase from 65% to 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). | Behavioural | Cluster Sets 2 (CS2) |
Primary outcome
Change in Half-Squat One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention (post-intervention).
Maximal dynamic strength of the lower body will be assessed using a standardized half-squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. The maximum load successfully lifted will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Change in Bench-Press One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention (post-intervention).
Maximal dynamic strength of the upper body will be assessed using a standardized bench-press one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. The maximum load successfully lifted will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Change in Pectoralis Major Cross-Sectional Area
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention.
Right pectoralis major cross-sectional area will be assessed using B-mode ultrasonography with extended field-of-view imaging. Three images will be obtained, and cross-sectional area will be quantified using ImageJ software by tracing the muscle boundaries. Results will be expressed in cm².
Change in Bilateral Rectus Femoris Muscle Thickness
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention.
Rectus femoris muscle thickness will be assessed bilaterally using B-mode ultrasonography at 50% of the distance between the greater trochanter and lateral femoral epicondyle. Five images will be obtained for each leg. Muscle thickness will be determined as the perpendicular distance between the superficial and deep aponeuroses, and the mean of five measurements will be recorded separately for each leg.
3 secondary outcomes
Standing Medicine Ball Chest Throw Distance
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Standing Horizontal Jump Distance
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Body Composition Assessed by DXA
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 6-week training intervention (post-intervention).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. The decision to share de-identified individual participant data has not yet been finalized. Data sharing will be considered after study completion, taking into account participant confidentiality, informed consent, and institutional ethical requirements.
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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.
Gürkan Diker principal investigator
Cumhuriyet University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Traditional Set Resistance Training, Three-Repetition Cluster Set Training and Six-Repetition Cluster Set Training in people with Strength Training Adaptations, run by GÜRKAN DİKER 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 3 inclusion and 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Nov 2026. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Gürkan Diker, PhD (+905053403526, gdiker@cumhuriyet.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Half-Squat One-Repetition Maximum (1RM) (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the 6-week intervention (post-intervention).). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. 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 2 Nov 2026.