Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Training in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players

NCT07801885 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SCNU-SPT-2026-027
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 23
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the effects of an 8-week unilateral resistance training program with strength- and velocity-oriented loading on limb-specific load-velocity relationships and lower-limb asymmetry in male university team-sport players. Participants were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group, which trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum (1RM), or a velocity-oriented training group, which trained at 40% of the limb-specific 1RM. Both groups completed 16 supervised free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks. In each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity and real-time velocity feedback. Limb-specific load-velocity relationships were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Lower-limb asymmetry, balance, unilateral jump performance, and basketball-specific change-of-direction performance were assessed at baseline and Week 8. The purpose was to determine whether the two training orientations produced different adaptations and whether the additional training volume assigned to the non-dominant limb influenced inter-limb asymmetry.

Conditions

Lower-Limb Asymmetry; Athletic Performance; Muscle Strength

Keywords

Unilateral Resistance Training; Load-Velocity Relationship; Inter-Limb Asymmetry; Free-Weight Split Squat; Velocity-Based Training; Team-Sport Athletes

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Mean Change From Baseline in Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height Inter-Limb Asymmetry at Week 8

  Single-leg countermovement jump height was measured separately for the dominant and non-dominant limbs using a force-platform system. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated as 2 × the absolute difference between the dominant- and non-dominant-limb values divided by the sum of the two limb values, multiplied by 100. The outcome is expressed as a percentage, with higher values indicating greater inter-limb asymmetry. The mean change from baseline to Week 8 was compared between the two training groups.

  Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Mean Change From Baseline in Y-Balance Test Composite Score Inter-Limb Difference at Week 8

  Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8

• Mean Change From Baseline in Limb-Specific Mean Concentric Velocity at Prespecified Relative Loads at Week

  Baseline and interim assessment at Week 4

• Mean Change From Baseline in Basketball Dribbling T-Test Directional Asymmetry at Week 8

  Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8

• Mean Change From Baseline in Absolute Inter-Limb Difference in Unilateral Split-Squat One-Repetition Maximum at Week 8

  Baseline and post-intervention at Week 8

Study Arms (2)

Strength-Oriented Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants completed an 8-week strength-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum.

Behavioral: Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training

Velocity-Oriented Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants completed an 8-week velocity-oriented unilateral free-weight split-squat training program at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum.

Behavioral: Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training

Interventions

Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 40% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity.

Velocity-Oriented Training Group

Strength-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants completed 16 supervised unilateral free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks, with two sessions per week and at least 48 hours between sessions. Each limb trained at 80% of its limb-specific one-repetition maximum. During each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. Inter-set rest was 4 minutes. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback. Training loads were prescribed using the individual limb-specific load-velocity relationship and adjusted when necessary to maintain the target training intensity.

Strength-Oriented Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Functional Movement Screen inline lunge score of at least 2 and ability to correctly perform the barbell split squat.
• At least one year of resistance-training experience. No sports-related injury within the previous 3 months that could affect participation in the study procedures.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Current or planned use during the study of medications that could affect the study outcomes.
• Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that could prevent completion of the training program or study assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• South China Normal University: lead

Study Sites (1)

School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University

Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Leg Length Inequality

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Bone Diseases, Developmental; Bone Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: a strength-oriented unilateral training group or a velocity-oriented unilateral training group. Each participant received only the intervention assigned to that group throughout the 8-week training period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 31, 2026
• First Posted: September 3, 2026
• Study Start: May 6, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 25, 2026
• Study Completion: July 25, 2026
• Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)