NCT07412600

High- and Low-Load Resistance Training

High- and Low-Load Resistance Training to Failure Result in Similar Muscular Adaptations in Untrained Young Males

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 22 (actual)
• Sponsor: Akdeniz University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 28 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether low-load resistance training performed to muscle failure can produce similar increases in muscle size and strength as high-load resistance training in healthy untrained young adult males. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does low-load resistance training (30% of one-repetition maximum) performed to failure increase muscle strength and muscle size to a similar extent as high-load resistance training (75% of one-repetition maximum)? Are there differences in total training volume between low-load and high-load resistance training programs performed to failure? Researchers will compare a low-load resistance training group to a high-load resistance training group to determine whether the magnitude of changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy differs between the two approaches. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either a low-load (30% 1RM) or high-load (75% 1RM) resistance training group Perform supervised leg extension exercises to the point of voluntary muscle fatigue three times per week for 6 weeks Complete muscle strength testing (one-repetition maximum) before and after the training period Undergo ultrasound measurements to assess muscle thickness and cross-sectional area of thigh muscles before and after the intervention

Conditions

• Resistance Training
• Muscle Hypertrophy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Low-load resistance training (30% 1RM)	Participants perform unilateral or bilateral leg extension exercise at 30% of their individually determined one-repetition maximum (1RM). Each training session consists of sets performed to volitional muscular failure. Training is conducted three times per week for 6 weeks under direct supervision. Load is adjusted if necessary to maintain the target relative intensity. All repetitions are performed using a controlled movement tempo.
OTHER	High-load resistance training (75% 1RM)	Participants perform the same leg extension exercise at 75% of their individually determined one-repetition maximum (1RM). As in the LLRT group, sets are performed to volitional muscular failure. Training frequency (three sessions per week), duration (6 weeks), supervision, exercise selection, and movement tempo are identical to the LLRT group.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-12-18
• Primary completion: 2022-06-20
• Completion: 2022-07-02
• First posted: 2026-02-17
• Last updated: 2026-02-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)