Acute kinematic, kinetic, and hormonal responses to cluster sets in parallel back squat exercise in trained and untrained young men utilizing hypertrophic intensities

Abstract

To compare kinetic, kinematic and hormonal responses during the parallel back squat, twelve resistance trained (RT; 6.1?2.1 years training), and twelve untrained (UT) men performed traditional (TRD; 4 sets x 10 repetitions; 120 s rest) and cluster sets (CLU; 4x(2x5); 30 s between clusters; 90 s between sets) at 70% 1RM. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. CLU resulted in greater velocity at repetition 1 and 6-10. CLU produced greater force in repetitions 7-10 of set 4. CLU elicited greater power in eight repetitions during set 4. RT produced greater force, velocity, and power. CLU allowed greater total volume load while attenuating lactate concentrations. Total (TT) and free testosterone were similar between conditions; RT exhibited greater TT. Growth hormone, cortisol, and concentric time under tension were greater in TRD. Producing greater power and similar hormonal responses acutely, CLU could augment power adaptations while eliciting similar hypertrophy chronically when compared with TRD.