Performance and Perceptual Responses to Cluster Sets in Pneumatic-Resistance Exercises: Impact of Exercise Selection, Sex, and Strength.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of cluster sets (CS) versus traditional sets (TRAD) on performance and perceptual responses during pneumatic chest press (CP) and leg press (LP). Exercise-specific differences and the influence of sex and strength were also explored.

Methods: Forty-seven recreationally resistance-trained young adults (23 male and 24 female) performed CP and LP at 70% 1-repetition maximum in either CS (4 × [2 × 5], 30-s intraset rest, 150 s between sets) or TRAD (4 × 10, 180-s rest between sets) in randomized order.

Effect of resistance training on local muscle endurance in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Background: Local muscle endurance (LME) is a significant indicator of muscle health and function in middle-aged and older adults. However, resistance training (RT) practices which optimise performance in this population are currently unclear. This study examined: 1) the effect of RT on LME; and 2) the impact of acute resistance exercise program variables on LME in middle-aged and older adults.

Effect of High-Volume Cluster Sets vs. Lower-Volume Traditional Sets on Accuracy of Estimated Repetitions to Failure.

Davies, TB, Li, J, and Hackett, DA. Effect of high-volume cluster sets vs. lower-volume traditional sets on accuracy of estimated repetitions to failure.

Self-Reported Training and Supplementation Practices Between Performance-Enhancing Drug-User Bodybuilders Compared with Natural Bodybuilders.

Li, J, Davies, TB, and Hackett, DA. Self-reported training and supplementation practices between performance-enhancing drug-user bodybuilders compared with natural bodybuilders. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1079-1088, 2023-This study aimed to examine whether the training and supplementation practices differ between performance-enhancing drug (PED)-using bodybuilders (BB) and natural BB.

Effect of Set-Structure on Upper-Body Muscular Hypertrophy and Performance in Recreationally-Trained Male and Female.

Davies, TB, Halaki, M, Orr, R, Mitchell, L, Helms, ER, Clarke, J, and Hackett, DA. Effect of set structure on upper-body muscular hypertrophy and performance in recreationally trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2176-2185, 2022-This study explored the effect of volume-equated traditional-set and cluster-set structures on muscular hypertrophy and performance after high-load resistance training manipulating the bench press exercise.

Effect of high-volume cluster sets versus lower-volume traditional sets on muscular performance.

Background: Similar muscle performance adaptations have been shown following volume-equated resistance training using cluster (CLUS) versus traditional (TRAD) set structures. This study aimed to examine the effects of higher-volume CLUS compared to lower-volume TRAD set structures on muscle performance.

Methods: Twenty resistance-trained males (age 20.

Effect of 10 sets versus 5 sets of resistance training on muscular endurance.

Background: A paucity of research exists examining whether resistance training with a greater number of sets per exercise enhances the development of muscular endurance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ten sets versus five sets of resistance training on muscle endurance.

Methods: Fifteen healthy males (age 23.

Effect of Set-Structure on Upper-Body Muscular Hypertrophy and Performance in Recreationally-Trained Male and Female.

Davies, TB, Halaki, M, Orr, R, Mitchell, L, Helms, ER, Clarke, J, and Hackett, DA. Effect of set structure on upper-body muscular hypertrophy and performance in recreationally trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-This study explored the effect of volume-equated traditional-set and cluster-set structures on muscular hypertrophy and performance after high-load resistance training manipulating the bench press exercise.

Chronic Effects of Altering Resistance Training Set Configurations Using Cluster Sets: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The acute responses to cluster set resistance training (RT) have been demonstrated. However, as compared to traditional sets, the effect of cluster sets on muscular and neuromuscular adaptations remains unclear.

Objective: To compare the effects of RT programs implementing cluster and traditional set configurations on muscular and neuromuscular adaptations.

Changes in Bench Press Velocity and Power After 8 Weeks of High-Load Cluster- or Traditional-Set Structures.

Davies, TB, Halaki, M, Orr, R, Helms, ER, and Hackett, DA. Changes in bench press velocity and power after 8 weeks of high-load cluster- or traditional-set structures. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2734-2742, 2020-This study investigated the effects of high-load cluster- vs.

Effect of Resistance Training Frequency on Gains in Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Current recommendations on resistance training (RT) frequency for gains in muscular strength are based on extrapolations from limited evidence on the topic, and thus their practical applicability remains questionable.

Objective: To elucidate this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies that compared muscular strength outcomes with different RT frequencies.

Methods: To carry out this review, English-language literature searches of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases were conducted.

Effect of movement velocity during resistance training on muscle-specific hypertrophy: A systematic review.

Currently, it is unclear whether manipulation of movement velocity during resistance exercise has an effect on hypertrophy of specific muscles. The purpose of this systematic review of literature was to investigate the effect of movement velocity during resistance training on muscle hypertrophy. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to movement velocity and resistance training.

Effects of Rest Interval Duration in Resistance Training on Measures of Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review.

Background: Rest interval (RI) duration is an important resistance-training variable underlying gain in muscular strength. Recommendations for optimal RI duration for gains in muscular strength are largely inferred from studies examining the acute resistance training effects, and the generalizability of such findings to chronic adaptations is uncertain.

Objective: The goals of this systematic literature review are: (i) to aggregate findings and interpret the studies that assessed chronic muscular strength adaptations to resistance training interventions involving different RI durations, and (ii) to provide evidence-based recommendations for exercise practitioners and athletes.

Effect of Movement Velocity During Resistance Training on Dynamic Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Movement velocity is an acute resistance-training variable that can be manipulated to potentially optimize dynamic muscular strength development. However, it is unclear whether performing faster or slower repetitions actually influences dynamic muscular strength gains.

Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of movement velocity during resistance training on dynamic muscular strength.

Accuracy in Estimating Repetitions to Failure During Resistance Exercise.

Hackett, DA, Cobley, SP, Davies, TB, Michael, SW, and Halaki, M. Accuracy in estimating repetitions to failure during resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2162-2168, 2017-The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy in estimation of repetitions to failure (ERF) during resistance exercise.

The feasibility and effectiveness of high-intensity boxing training versus moderate-intensity brisk walking in adults with abdominal obesity: a pilot study.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed on exercise cycle or treadmill is considered safe and often more beneficial for fat loss and cardiometabolic health than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week boxing training (HIIT) intervention compared with an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT) in obese adults.

Methods: Men and women with abdominal obesity and body mass index >25 kg/m(2) were randomized to either a boxing group or a brisk walking (control) group for 12 weeks.