Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy
NCT ID: NCT06825052
Last Updated: 2025-02-13
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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COMPLETED
NA
19 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2024-05-01
2024-08-20
Brief Summary
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Participants were randomly assigned to two training conditions:
Deload Training Group: Reduced training volume for one week every four weeks. Continuous Training Group: Regular training without reductions. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound, and muscle strength was evaluated through a 10-repetition maximum (10RM) test before and after the intervention.
The findings showed that both training strategies led to significant increases in muscle strength and size, with no major differences between groups. This suggests that incorporating deloading periods does not negatively impact muscle development and may serve as an effective alternative for individuals with time constraints or minor injuries.
This study was conducted at Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sports Sciences, with approval from the university's ethics committee.
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Detailed Description
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The study utilized a randomized within-subject design, where each participant's limbs were assigned to one of two conditions:
Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced during Weeks 4 and 8 to allow for recovery.
Continuous Training Condition: No reductions in training volume were applied. The resistance training program included unilateral leg extension and unilateral dumbbell biceps curl exercises performed twice per week. The training intensity was adjusted to ensure participants reached voluntary muscular failure within the 8-12 repetition range.
Assessments \& Measurements:
Muscle Hypertrophy: Measured using B-mode ultrasound at different quadriceps and biceps locations.
Muscle Strength: Evaluated through 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention.
Statistical Analysis: A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare training conditions, with effect sizes analyzed to determine the significance of adaptations.
The study was approved by the Gaziantep University Health and Sports Sciences Ethics Committee and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
CROSSOVER
Deload Training Condition: Training volume and frequency were reduced for one week every four weeks.
Continuous Training Condition: Training continued without volume reduction. Each participant performed unilateral leg extension and dumbbell biceps curl exercises twice per week for 8 weeks. One limb was assigned to the deload condition, while the other was assigned to the continuous training condition.
This within-subject design was chosen to minimize inter-individual variability and enhance statistical power. Muscle hypertrophy and strength were assessed before and after the intervention using B-mode ultrasound and 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing, respectively.
OTHER
DOUBLE
Participants were unaware of which limb was assigned to the deload or continuous training condition to prevent psychological or behavioral influences on training performance.
The outcomes assessor conducting muscle thickness measurements (using B-mode ultrasound) and strength assessments (10RM test) was blinded to the condition assignments to ensure unbiased data collection.
The researchers responsible for training supervision were aware of the limb assignments but did not participate in the measurement or data analysis process.
This blinding method was implemented to enhance the validity of the study and reduce potential bias in both subjective and objective outcome measures.
Study Groups
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Deload Training
Participants in this group followed an 8-week resistance training program with deloading periods every four weeks. During these deload weeks, training volume and intensity were reduced to facilitate recovery while maintaining training adaptations.
Resistance Training with Deloading Periods
Participants performed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program in which training volume and intensity were reduced during weeks 4 and 8 to facilitate recovery and adaptation.
Continuous Training
Participants in this group followed an 8-week continuous resistance training program with no reductions in training volume or intensity. This group served as a comparison to assess the effects of deloading periods on muscle hypertrophy and strength.
Continuous Resistance Training
Participants followed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program without any deloading periods. Training volume and intensity remained consistent throughout the study.
Interventions
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Resistance Training with Deloading Periods
Participants performed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program in which training volume and intensity were reduced during weeks 4 and 8 to facilitate recovery and adaptation.
Continuous Resistance Training
Participants followed an 8-week unilateral resistance training program without any deloading periods. Training volume and intensity remained consistent throughout the study.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Aged between 18-25 years old.
* No current or recent musculoskeletal injuries affecting exercise performance.
* No diagnosed medical conditions that could interfere with resistance training.
* Willing to participate in an 8-week structured resistance training program.
* No use of performance-enhancing drugs, anabolic steroids, or other muscle-growth supplements.
Exclusion Criteria
* Any current or past musculoskeletal injuries or conditions affecting the lower or upper limbs.
* Any diagnosed metabolic, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders that could affect physical performance.
* Individuals currently taking medications that affect muscle function or recovery.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
* Failure to comply with the study protocol (e.g., missing more than 2 training sessions).
18 Years
25 Years
MALE
Yes
Sponsors
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University of Gaziantep
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Zarife Pancar
PhD, Assistant Professor,
Principal Investigators
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Zarife Pancar Assistant Professor,, PhD
Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR
University of Gaziantep
Locations
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Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, Turkey (Türkiye)
Countries
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Other Identifiers
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OFS
Identifier Type: REGISTRY
Identifier Source: secondary_id
GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-02
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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