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Acute response to cluster sets in trained and untrained men

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European Journal of Applied Physiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

In traditional sets (TRD) repetitions are performed continuously, whereas cluster sets (CLU) allow a brief rest between groups of repetitions. We investigated the acute mechanical, metabolic, and hormonal response to CLU in men.

Methods

Twelve resistance-trained (RT) and 11 untrained (UT) men performed TRD (4 × 10 repetitions with 2 min rest) and CLU [4 × (2 × 5) with 1.5 min rest between sets 30 s rest between clusters] at 70 % 1RM back squat in random order. Seven days separated trials. Average power and time under tension (TUT) were calculated. Blood was sampled pre, sets 1, 2, and 3; immediate post-exercise, 5, 15, 30, 60 min post-exercise for blood lactate, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol.

Results

CLU produced greater average power at an increasing number of repetitions over each set with greater total volume load. TUT was shorter for RT and lower for CLU in repetitions 1, 6, 7, 8. Blood lactate was higher Set 2 through 30 min in TRD. RT had higher TT; however, the time course was similar between RT and UT. TT and FT increased immediate post-exercise and remained elevated 30 min in both conditions. GH was significantly greater during TRD with a similar pattern observed in both conditions. Cortisol was significantly lower at 30 min in CLU.

Conclusion

CLU allowed greater total volume load, shorter TUT, greater average power, similar anabolic hormonal response, and less metabolic stress. The acute response was similar despite training status.

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Abbreviations

TRD:

Traditional set

CLU:

Cluster sets or clustering

ADP:

Adenosine triphosphate

PCr:

Phosphocreatine

1RM:

One-repetition maximum

RT:

Resistance trained

UT:

Untrained

TUT:

Time under tension

TT:

Total testosterone

FT:

Free testosterone

GH:

Growth hormone

CV:

Coefficient of variation

RIA:

Radioimmunoassay

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by a grant from the Texas Christian University Research and Creative Activities Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, TCU Box 297730, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA

    Jonathan M. Oliver, Andreas Kreutzer, Shane Jenke, Melody D. Phillips & Joel B. Mitchell

  2. Division of Health and Human Performance, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA

    Margaret T. Jones

Authors
  1. Jonathan M. Oliver
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  2. Andreas Kreutzer
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  3. Shane Jenke
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  4. Melody D. Phillips
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  5. Joel B. Mitchell
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  6. Margaret T. Jones
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan M. Oliver.

Additional information

Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

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Oliver, J.M., Kreutzer, A., Jenke, S. et al. Acute response to cluster sets in trained and untrained men. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 2383–2393 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3216-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3216-7

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