Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy (NCT06825052) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effects of Deloading Periods in Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy
Turkey (Türkiye)19 participantsStarted 2024-05-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 25 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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).
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.