Effect of traditional and cluster set structures on bar path kinematics during high-volume power clean training

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of traditional (TRAD) and cluster (CLU) set structures on bar path kinematics during a series of high-volume power clean sets, and compare insights gained from discrete versus waveform analysis. Twenty participants completed TRAD or CLU protocols in a randomised, crossover design. Each protocol involved three sets of nine repetitions at 70% of one-repetition maximum. In CLU sets, a 30-second inter-repetition rest was applied. During TRAD sets, peak velocity declined, and significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes were observed in both vertical and horizontal barbell displacement across repetitions, indicating fatigue-related technical alterations. In contrast, peak velocity was maintained during the CLU sets, with changes in vertical displacement limited to the catch phase and no significant (p > 0.05) changes in horizontal displacement. Discrete analysis showed a greater barbell loop during CLU sets than TRAD sets, whereas waveform analysis detected a forward shift of the barbell trajectory towards the end of TRAD sets - changes not captured by discrete metrics. These findings suggest CLU sets may help maintain technical efficiency under fatigue and highlight the importance of carefully selecting the analytical method, as different methods can provide varying outcomes, potentially influencing interpretations of technique evaluation.