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

Selcuk University

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Procedure: Intervention 3: MG; Procedure: Intervention 2: SG; Procedure: Intervention 1: UG

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07088627

07

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

This experimental study examined the effects of three different strength training methods-undulating, serial, and maximal-on Olympic weightlifting performance, anaerobic power, and hormonal responses in adolescent male athletes. A total of 32 licensed male weightlifters with similar training backgrounds and weight categories were randomly assigned to four groups using stratified randomization. To maintain internal validity, group allocation was based on baseline metrics including age, training history, body weight, and performance measures.

The 8-week training intervention was delivered five days per week, with standardized session structures and rest intervals tailored to each protocol's physiological goals. Training programs targeted the SN and C&J exercises and were adjusted weekly based on reassessed one-repetition maximum (1RM) values. All sessions were conducted under the supervision of certified coaches to ensure technical consistency.

Anaerobic power was assessed using vertical jump tests, and hormonal measurements (GH, IGF-1, TT, INS and TSH) were obtained through venous blood samples analyzed via chemiluminescence autoanalyzers. To reduce variability, all blood samples were collected in a fasted state at the same time of day before and after the training period.

Blinded testers conducted all performance assessments, and standard operating procedures were applied to enhance reliability. Data were analyzed using parametric statistical tests (paired t-tests, ANOVA with Tukey post hoc analysis) to evaluate within- and between-group differences.

The study received ethical approval from the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Selçuk University (Decision No: 07, Date: 28.01.2021). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout the research process.

Enrollment: 32 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 15 to 20 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 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

Exclusion criteria

• Participants outside the specified age range or with noncompliance to inclusion criteria

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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32 participants in 4 patient groups

Arm 1: Undulating Strength Training Group (UG)

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Intervention 1: UG

Arm 2: Serial Strength Training Group (SG)

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Intervention 2: SG

Arm 3: Maximal Strength Training Group (MG)

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Intervention 3: MG

Arm 4: Control Group (CG)

No Intervention group

Description:

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.