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Cluster Training in Female Volleyball Players
Sponsor: Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Summary
This study compares the effects of three different resistance training methods-traditional training, standard cluster training, and undulating cluster training-on strength, hormonal responses, and inflammation in female volleyball players aged 18-30 years. Thirty participants with at least two years of volleyball and resistance training experience were randomly assigned to one of three groups. All participants performed resistance training three times per week and volleyball-specific training two times per week for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the first session (acute response) and after eight weeks (chronic adaptation) to measure testosterone, cortisol, IGF-1, progesterone, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Performance tests included upper-body and lower-body strength (bench press and squat), speed, agility, and vertical jump. The main finding was that undulating cluster training produced significantly greater improvements in upper-body strength compared to standard cluster training, while all three methods were equally effective for lower-body strength and other performance measures. No significant differences were found between groups for hormonal or inflammatory changes. The study provides practical guidance for coaches seeking to optimize upper-body strength gains in female volleyball players.
Official title: Comparison of Traditional, Standard Cluster, and Undulating Cluster Resistance Training on Hormonal, Inflammatory, and Performance Outcomes in Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2022-11-20
Completion Date
2022-12-30
Last Updated
2026-08-25
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Traditional Resistance Training
Eight weeks of traditional resistance training, 3 sessions per week. Each session includes 8 exercises: dumbbell thruster, power clean, back squat, deadlift, knee flexion curl, bench press, military p
Standard Cluster Resistance Training
Eight weeks of standard cluster resistance training, 3 sessions per week. Same exercises and intensity progression as TRT, but with intra-set rest intervals (10-30 seconds between clusters) to maintain movement quality, repetition velocity, and power output across multiple sets.
Undulating Cluster Resistance Training
Eight weeks of undulating cluster resistance training, 3 sessions per week. Combines intra-set rest intervals (10-30 seconds between clusters) with systematic weekly variations in load and repetition schemes. Intensity and volume undulate across weeks to balance neural drive and load tolerance while preserving high-quality repetitions.
Locations (1)
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand
Birjand, South Khorasan Province, Iran