Performance and Hormonal Responses to Different Training Modalities in Young Weightlifters: A Randomised Controlled Trial

NCT07088627 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 07
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Olympic weightlifting is a sport that requires high levels of force production, technical skill, and intermuscular coordination. The effects of strength training during adolescence on performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses are critically important for athlete health and development. This study investigated the effects of different strength training methods on snatch (SN) and clean \& jerk (C\&J) performance, anaerobic power levels, and selected hormonal parameters (growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 \[IGF-1\], total testosterone (TT), insulin (INS), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) in young male weightlifters. A total of 32 male weightlifters participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: undulating strength training (UG) (age: 17.6 ± 1.6 years), serial strength training (SG) (age: 16.9 ± 1.3 years), maximal strength training (MG) (age: 17.3 ± 1.4 years), and a control group (CG) (age: 17.1 ± 1.2 years). The experimental groups underwent sport-specific strength training five days per week for eight weeks. The performance assessments included one-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for the SN and C\&J lifts, whereas the anaerobic power was measured via the vertical jump test. Hormonal parameters were analyzed via a chemiluminescent autoanalyzer. Paired samples t tests were used for within-group comparisons, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for between-group comparisons. The findings revealed significant improvements in SN, C\&J, and anaerobic power performance in the groups subjected to UG, SG, and MG strength training. However, no significant differences were observed between the training groups in terms of performance or hormonal response. While some hormonal parameters increased, others did not significantly change. Various strength training approaches contribute to improvements in the technical performance and anaerobic power of young weightlifters; however, their effects on hormonal responses appear to be limited. Planning training programs according to individual needs and developmental stages is essential for safeguarding athlete health and supporting long-term performance development.

Conditions

Weightlifting; Hormone; Young; Performance; Anaerobic Power; Strength Training Effects

Keywords

hormone levels; strength training methods; performance; weightlifting

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• 1. SN Performance

  SN performance is assessed by the maximum weight (in kilograms) successfully lifted in a 1RM test, recorded according to official International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards. The direction of improvement is indicated by an increase in lifted weight (kg).

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

• 2. C&J Performance

  C\&J performance is assessed by the maximum weight (in kilograms) successfully lifted in a 1RM test according to IWF standards. The direction of improvement is indicated by an increase in lifted weight (kg).

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

• 3. Anaerobic Power Performance

  Anaerobic power is estimated using the Sayers equation, calculated from vertical jump height and body weight: Anaerobic Power (Watts) = (60.7 × jump height \[cm\]) + (45.3 × body weight \[kg\]) - 2055 Higher watt values indicate greater anaerobic power output.

  Baseline (Week 0) and Post-Intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• 1. Serum GH Level

  Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

• 2. Serum IGF-1 Level

  Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

• 3. Serum TT Level

  Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

• 4. Serum INS Level

  Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

• 5. Serum TSH Level

  Baseline and 24 hours post-final training session

Study Arms (4)

Arm 1: Undulating Strength Training Group (UG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group follow an undulating periodization strength training protocol focused on the SN and C\&J exercises. Training variables such as intensity (approximately 80% of 1RM) and volume (5 sets with descending repetitions: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) vary weekly to stimulate neuromuscular adaptations. Rest intervals between sets are standardized at 90 seconds to optimize recovery and training quality.

Procedure: Intervention 1: UG

Arm 2: Serial Strength Training Group (SG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants perform a serial strength training program emphasizing the SN and C\&J exercises, with consistent load progression at approximately 80% of 1RM and a fixed volume of 5 sets of 5 repetitions per session. Rest periods between sets are set at 90 seconds to maintain training intensity and facilitate strength gains.

Procedure: Intervention 2: SG

Arm 3: Maximal Strength Training Group (MG)

EXPERIMENTAL

This group engages in maximal strength training focused on high-intensity loads (around 100% of 1RM) with low volume (5 sets of 1 repetition) for SN and C\&J exercises. Longer rest intervals of 180 seconds between sets are implemented to ensure adequate recovery for maximal effort lifts and to optimize peak strength development.

Procedure: Intervention 3: MG

Arm 4: Control Group (CG)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants maintained their regular weightlifting routines, including the SN and C\&J, without any additional intervention. Typical training loads range between 80-100% 1RM, with volume between 1 to 5 sets of 1 to 3 repetitions, without progressive overload or structured periodization. Rest intervals average 120 seconds between sets.

Interventions

Intervention 1: UG PROCEDURE

Participants perform UG targeting SN and C\&J exercises, varying intensity at 80% of 1RM and volume (5 sets of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 repetitions) over weeks. Rest between sets: 90 seconds.

Arm 1: Undulating Strength Training Group (UG)

Intervention 2: SG PROCEDURE

Participants perform SG with SN and C\&J at consistent 80% 1RM intensity, 5 sets of 5 repetitions each session. Rest between sets: 90 seconds.

Arm 2: Serial Strength Training Group (SG)

Intervention 3: MG PROCEDURE

Participants engage in MG training focusing on SN and C\&J at 100% 1RM, 5 sets of 1 repetition, with 180 seconds rest between sets.

Arm 3: Maximal Strength Training Group (MG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 20 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: This study is intended exclusively for male participants. Only biologically male individuals are eligible for participation.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male sex
• At least three years of licensed weightlifting experience
• No serious musculoskeletal injuries in the past year
• No use of medications, hormones, or supplements during the study
• Voluntary participation with signed informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Selcuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Selçuk University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Konya, Konya, 42130, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• Alpaslan Görücü, Professor Doctor

  Selçuk University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Only the individuals conducting performance assessments and hormone analyses were blinded to group assignments to minimize bias. No other parties were masked in this trial.
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer, PhD

Model Details: This study uses a randomized parallel group design where participants are assigned to one of four groups: UG, SG, MG, or CG. Each group undergoes a distinct training intervention over eight weeks. The groups are assessed pre- and post-intervention to evaluate differences in weightlifting performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses. The study aims to compare the effects of different strength training protocols on young male weightlifters while maintaining group homogeneity through stratified randomization and blinding of performance testers.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 18, 2025
• First Posted: July 28, 2025
• Study Start: February 2, 2021
• Primary Completion: November 19, 2021
• Study Completion: August 3, 2022
• Last Updated: July 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)