Cluster Set Loading in The Back Squat: Kinetic and Kinematic Implications

• Main Author: Wetmore, Alexander
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2018
• Subjects: Training; Rest; Strength and Conditioning; Performance; Sports Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3437; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4886&context=etd

The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and kinematic implications of cluster loading as a resistance training programming tactic. Cluster loading involves introducing rest during a set which may allow athletes to train at higher absolute intensities. Eleven trained males were recruited for this study. Subjects completed two testing sessions consisting of three sets of five back squats at 80% of their one repetition maximum. Cluster loading included 30s of inter-repetition rest. All testing was done on dualforce plates with four linear position transducers. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine differences between conditions with Cohen’s d effect sizes describing the magnitude of change between conditions. Both conditions had similar values for peak force and average force. Cluster loading had significantly higher power and velocity outputs, shorter times to peak power and velocity as well as greater maintenance of time to peak power. These results suggest cluster loading may be superior to traditional loading when maintaining power output and timepoint variables is the desired outcome of training.