General Sport Skills Performance Following the Combined Use of Accentuated Eccentric Loading and Cluster Sets During a Strength-Endurance Training Phase

The purpose of this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of resistance training with accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) and cluster sets (CS) versus traditional resistance training (TRAD) on general sports skills and power performance in recreationally trained individuals. Seventeen subjects (11 males, 6 females; mean age 23.2 ± 4.1 years; body mass 81.3 ± 22.2 kg; height 172.1 ± 10.0 cm; relative 1 RM back squat 1.5 ± 0.3) were randomly assigned to AEL (n = 9) or TRAD (n = 8) groups. After an initial familiarization and baseline testing, both groups underwent a four-week strength-endurance training regimen. The AEL group incorporated AEL in a CS format every other repetition for back squat and bench press. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included accelerative sprint (10- and 20-meter split time), change of direction (505), COD deficit (CODD), countermovement jump height, and peak power. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Both groups showed significant improvements in 505 and CODD (p < 0.01), with the AEL group demonstrating a greater effect size than TRAD for 505 (g: -0.90; and -0.45, respectively) and CODD (g: -0.87; and -0.26, respectively). No other measures showed significant changes (p > 0.05). These data suggest that a strength-endurance training block can enhance change of direction ability, with potential added benefits from AEL with CS, although further research is warranted to confirm these effects.