Effects of cluster training sets on muscle power and force–velocity relationship in postmenopausal women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the higher load resistance training with a cluster training sets (CS) design maximizes muscle power and strength gains when compared to higher load resistance training with a traditional sets (TS) design in postmenopausal women (PW). Each leg of 16 PW was randomly allocated into two groups: TS (n = 16 legs) and CS (n = 16 legs). Both groups performed three sets of four repetitions at 90% one repetition maximum (1RM), 3 s per muscle action, with a 1.5-min rest interval between sets, twice-weekly, for 8 weeks. Only CS group performed 30 s interrepetition rest periods. Both groups similarly increased (P < 0.05) thigh muscle mass, muscle strength (1RM), and maximal muscle power. However, whereas the CS increased (P < 0.05) peak power at 40% and theoretical maximal velocity (V0), the TS increase theoretical maximal force (F0). The TS reduced slope of the force–velocity relationship when compared to the CS. Although both CS and TS design are similarly effective at improving muscle mass and strength and Pmax, TS and CS induce different changes in the force–velocity profile (Sfv) in PW. Thus, our findings suggest that TS may be a preferential RT design if the focus of training is a force–velocity profile more “force-oriented”, whereas CS may be a preferential RT design if the focus of training is a force–velocity profile more “velocity-oriented”.