cluster sets

This study assessed general and more detailed post-activation performance enhancement responses to cluster sets (CS) + accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) versus a traditional method (TRD) in vertical jump performance and strategy. Six men and six women completed lower-body complex training: countermovement jump was performed at baseline and 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-min after back squat using CS + AEL and TRD in a randomized crossover manner. CS + AEL used 20 s of inter-repetition rests for back squat and 30% body mass dumbbells for countermovement jump (on the first repetition only across three repetitions at 2-, 4-, and 6-min post), unlike TRD. Data were analyzed as: condition × time (1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-min) and condition × time (2-, 4-, and 6-min) × rep (1, 2, and 3), with baseline as a covariate. Peak power was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased during CS + AEL at 4-min (g = -0.73) and increased during TRD at 2-min (g = 0.46) compared to respective baseline. Peak power was significantly reduced during CS + AEL at 4-min on rep 2 (g = -0.85) and 3 (g = -1.28) and elevated during TRD at 2-min on rep 3 (g = 0.72) compared to respective rep 1. Despite a significant interaction for concentric duration, none of the repetitions were statistically different compared to respective rep 1. CS + AEL compromised post-activation performance enhancement at 4-min post, potentially due to rep-to-rep decreases in peak power on rep 2 and 3, unlike TRD.

matched text: “cluster sets”

<h4>Abstract</h4>de Souza Soares, B, Mohammad, J, Cantelmo, CE, Gomes Alves, MC, de Oliveira Barros, BC, and Vieira de Oliveira, G. Feelings in the lift: Comparing perceptual responses to cluster and traditional resistance training protocols. J Strength Cond Res 40(5): e437-e444, 2026-This study compared the acute effects of traditional vs. cluster resistance training (RT) protocols on affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in resistance-trained young adults. Sixteen subjects completed 2 lower-limb RT sessions in a randomized crossover design: 1 with a traditional configuration and another with cluster sets. Affective valence declined during and after the traditional session ( p < 0.05), but remained stable across time in the cluster session, with a significant protocol × time interaction ( p < 0.001). Perceived activation increased in both conditions ( p < 0.001) but was significantly higher after the traditional protocol ( p = 0.04; d = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.12-1.21]). Enjoyment was significantly greater ( p < 0.01; d = 0.7, 95% CI [-1.31 to -0.18]), and RPE significantly lower ( p < 0.001; d = 1.2, 95% CI [0.52-1.82]) following the cluster session. Rating of perceived exertion negatively correlated with enjoyment ( r = -0.54, p = 0.03) and affective valence ( r = -0.54, p = 0.032) in the traditional condition. These results suggest that RT set configuration acutely modulates psychoaffective outcomes. Cluster RT elicits more favorable affective and perceptual responses, which may enhance exercise enjoyment and support long-term adherence.

matched text: “cluster sets”