Tufano, JJ, Conlon, JA, Nimphius, S, Oliver, JM, Kreutzer, A, and Haff, GG. Different cluster sets result in similar metabolic, endocrine, and perceptual responses in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 346-354, 2019-The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematic, metabolic, endocrine, and perceptual responses of 3 back squat protocols with equal loads, number of repetitions, and total rest duration. Eight strength-trained men performed 36 back squats using 75% 1 repetition maximum and 420 seconds of total rest during basic cluster sets of 4 (CS4), rest redistribution sets of 4 (RR4), and rest redistribution sets of 1 (RR1). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (La), mean velocity maintenance (MVM), and mean velocity loss (MVL) were measured during exercise. Total testosterone (TT), growth hormone (GH), cortisol (C), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured before exercise and 15, 30, and 60 minutes postexercise. There were no differences between protocols for MVM. However, MVL was less during RR1 compared with RR4 (p = 0.032), and neither protocol was different than CS4. All protocols resulted in similar increases in RPE and La, which remained elevated up to 30 minutes postexercise (p ≤ 0.05). In all protocols, GH increased and returned to baseline by 60 minutes postexercise (p ≤ 0.05). At 60 minutes postexercise, TT was less than all other time points (p ≤ 0.05). There were no main effects for time for SHBG or C. The data from this study show that different types of cluster set protocols can result in proanabolic physiological responses to resistance training. In addition, coaches can redistribute rest periods without affecting perceived effort or metabolic and hormonal changes if the external load, number of repetitions, and total rest time are equalized.

Center for Exercise and Sports Science Research Edith Cowan University Joondalup Australia

Exercise and Sport Performance Laboratory Department of Kinesiology Texas Christian University Fort Worth Texas

Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Center Casuarina Australia

References provided by Crossref.org

The Effects of Set Structure Manipulation on Chronic Adaptations to Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Acute Effects of Cluster and Rest Redistribution Set Structures on Mechanical, Metabolic, and Perceptual Fatigue During and After Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Impact of Rest-Redistribution on Fatigue During Maximal Eccentric Knee Extensions

Shorter But More Frequent Rest Periods: No Effect on Velocity and Power Compared to Traditional Sets Not Performed to Failure

Cluster sets vs. traditional sets: Levelling out the playing field using a power-based threshold

Field-Based and Lab-Based Assisted Jumping: Unveiling the Testing and Training Implications