The effects of cluster sets resistance training on delayed potentiation of lower limb power output in male collegiate athletes

Abstract

Abstract Background: The aim of the study was to compare the delayed potentiation (DLP) effects induced by cluster sets (CS) versus traditional sets (TS) resistance training. Methods: Sixteen male collegiate athletes were recruited for the study in a crossover design. All the subjects performed a CS (30 s interval between reps, 4 minutes interval between sets) and a TS (no rest between reps, 4 minutes interval between sets) resistance training sessions (3 sets of 3 repetitions of barbell back squat at 85% 1RM) in random order separated by 72 hours. Countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-meter sprint and T-test performance were evaluated at baseline and 6 hours after the resistance training sessions. Results: 6 hours after the resistance training sessions, both the CS and TS significantly improved the CMJ height (CS: ES = 0.48, P < 0.001; TS: ES = 0.23, P = 0.006), CMJ take-off velocity (CS: ES = 0.56, P < 0.001; TS: ES = 0.38, P = 0.004), CMJ push-off impulse (CS: ES = 0.38, P < 0.001; TS: ES = 0.26, P = 0.006), 20-meter sprint (CS: ES = 0.85, P < 0.001; TS: ES = 0.58, P = 0.006) and T-test (CS: ES = 0.99, P < 0.001; TS: ES = 0.73, P = 0.003) performance compared with baseline values. Following the CS, CMJ height (ES = 0.25, P = 0.007), CMJ peak power (ES = 0.2, P = 0.034) and 20-meter sprint performance (ES = 0.31, P = 0.019) were significantly better compared with that following TS. Conclusions: Both TS and CS configurations could induce DLP at 6 hours following the training. CS is a better strategy to induce DLP compared with TS training.