Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Untrained Young Individuals: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of Gaziantep
- Enrollment
- 19
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Muscular Strength
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study investigates the effects of deloading periods (short breaks or reductions in training volume) in a 8-week resistance training program on muscle strength and hypertrophy in young, untrained individuals.
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.
Detailed Description
This study examines the effects of deloading periods (planned reductions in training volume and frequency) within an 8-week resistance training program on muscle hypertrophy and strength in untrained young individuals.
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:
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Crossover
- Primary Purpose
- Other
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking Description
This study utilized a double-blind (participant and outcomes assessor) design to minimize bias in the evaluation of muscle hypertrophy and strength.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 25 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Healthy, untrained individuals (no prior structured resistance training experience for at least 6 months).
- •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
- •Individuals with prior resistance training experience within the last 6 months.
- •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).
Arms & Interventions
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.
Intervention: Resistance Training with Deloading Periods (Behavioral)
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.
Intervention: Continuous Resistance Training (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Muscular Strength
Time Frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks
Changes in muscle strength will be assessed using 10-repetition maximum (10RM) testing before and after the intervention. Strength assessments will be conducted for both the quadriceps (leg extension) and biceps brachii (dumbbell curl).
Secondary Outcomes
- Muscle Hypertrophy(Baseline and after 8 weeks)
Investigators
Zarife Pancar
PhD, Assistant Professor,
University of Gaziantep