Cluster resistance training elicited significantly lower perceived exertion (d = 1.2, 95% CI 0.52-1.82, p < 0.001) and greater enjoyment compared to traditional resistance training.
RCT (n=16)
Crossover
Does a cluster resistance training protocol improve affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion compared to traditional resistance training in resistance-trained young adults?
Cluster resistance training elicits more favorable affective and perceptual responses than traditional training, potentially enhancing exercise enjoyment and adherence.
Effect estimate: d = 1.2 (for RPE) (95% CI 0.52-1.82)
p-value: p=<0.001
de Souza Soares, B, Mohammad, J, Cantelmo, CE, Gomes Alves, MC, de Oliveira Barros, BC, and Vieira de Oliveira, G. Feelings in the lift: Comparing perceptual responses to cluster and traditional resistance training protocols. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-This study compared the acute effects of traditional vs. cluster resistance training (RT) protocols on affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in resistance-trained young adults. Sixteen subjects completed 2 lower-limb RT sessions in a randomized crossover design: 1 with a traditional configuration and another with cluster sets. Affective valence declined during and after the traditional session (p < 0.05), but remained stable across time in the cluster session, with a significant protocol × time interaction (p < 0.001). Perceived activation increased in both conditions (p < 0.001) but was significantly higher after the traditional protocol (p = 0.04; d = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-1.21). Enjoyment was significantly greater (p < 0.01; d = 0.7, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.18), and RPE significantly lower (p < 0.001; d = 1.2, 95% CI 0.52-1.82) following the cluster session. Rating of perceived exertion negatively correlated with enjoyment (r = -0.54, p = 0.03) and affective valence (r = -0.54, p = 0.032) in the traditional condition. These results suggest that RT set configuration acutely modulates psychoaffective outcomes. Cluster RT elicits more favorable affective and perceptual responses, which may enhance exercise enjoyment and support long-term adherence.
Soares et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Resistance training (n=16). Cluster resistance training vs. Traditional resistance training was evaluated on Affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (d = 1.2 (for RPE), 95% CI 0.52-1.82, p=<0.001). Cluster resistance training elicited significantly lower perceived exertion (d = 1.2, 95% CI 0.52-1.82, p < 0.001) and greater enjoyment compared to traditional resistance training.