Does set configuration influence long-term adaptations to complex training in national-level wrestlers? A volume-matched randomized trial

Objectives Complex training is commonly used to enhance strength and explosive performance in athletes; however, the long-term influence of set configuration within complex training remains unclear in highly trained wrestlers. This randomized, volume-matched trial investigated whether set configuration influences long-term adaptations to complex training (CT) in national-level male Chinese-style wrestlers. Specifically, the study compared the effects of cluster-set complex training (CS-CT) and traditional-set complex training (TS-CT) on maximal strength, lower-limb explosive performance, anaerobic power, and sport-specific performance. Methods Sixteen highly trained wrestlers (Tier 3; n = 16) completed an 8-week lower-body CT program performed twice weekly. Participants were randomly allocated to either CS-CT ( n = 9) or TS-CT ( n = 7). Training volume, intensity progression (70–85% 1RM), and exercise selection were identical between groups, differing only in set configuration. Primary outcomes included back squat one-repetition maximum (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), drop jump (DJ), standing long jump (SLJ), Wingate anaerobic performance, and wrestling-specific field tests. Group × time interaction effects were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Results Both CS-CT and TS-CT produced significant improvements in back squat 1RM (both p < 0.05). The CS-CT group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in SLJ, SJ, DJ, and selected sport-specific tests ( p < 0.05), whereas the TS-CT group showed improvements in CMJ and hip-rotation kick performance ( p < 0.05). However, no significant group × time interaction effects were observed for any performance variable (all p > 0.05). Conclusions When total training volume and intensity are matched, complex training effectively enhances strength and explosive performance in national-level wrestlers. However, modifying set configuration (cluster vs. traditional) did not result in clearly superior long-term adaptations over an 8-week training period in highly trained athletes.