The Endocrine and Body Composition Responses to Accentuated Eccentric Loading Performed in Cluster Sets During a Strength–Endurance Training Block

Abstract

This study investigated the endocrine responses to accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) paired with cluster sets (CSs) versus traditional training (TRAD). Seventeen recreationally active subjects (male = 11, females = 6, age = 23.18 ± 4.15 yrs, height = 1.72 ± 0.1 m, body mass = 81.29 ± 22.18 kg, back squat-to-body mass ratio = 1.55 ± 0.33, and bench press-to-body mass ratio = 1.06 ± 0.28) were randomly allocated into AEL and TRAD groups and trained for 4 weeks. The training was performed during a strength–endurance block with the target load consisting of three sets of 10 repetitions. The AEL group performed three sets of 10 for the squat and bench press using AEL every other repetition (5 AEL repetitions per set). In this protocol, CSs were also performed as one AEL repetition plus one traditional repetition followed by 15 s rest. Resistance training was performed three days a week, whilst sprint and agility training were performed two days a week. Testosterone (T), cortisol (C), creatinine (CREA), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed pre- and post-test. With a series of 2 × 2 repeated-measure ANOVA, the differences in the means between the two training methods and across time were compared. No statistically significant differences in resting blood variables or body composition were observed between the AEL and TRAD protocols after 4 weeks of training. Whilst the results marginally favored the use of AEL, these results did not support significant improvements in body composition or hormonal responses.