Feelings in the Lift: Comparing Perceptual Responses to Cluster and Traditional Resistance Training Protocols

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Psychology of Exercise

Background:

• Resistance training (RT) is crucial for physical health.
• Understanding the psychoaffective responses to different RT protocols is important for adherence.
• Cluster sets, a form of RT, may influence perceptual responses differently than traditional sets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the acute effects of traditional versus cluster resistance training (RT) protocols on affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
• To investigate how RT set configuration influences psychoaffective outcomes in resistance-trained young adults.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen resistance-trained young adults participated in a randomized crossover design.
• Subjects completed two lower-limb RT sessions: one traditional and one cluster set protocol.
• Affective valence, arousal, enjoyment, and RPE were measured during and after each session.

Main Results:

• Affective valence declined during and after traditional RT but remained stable with cluster RT.
• Enjoyment was significantly greater, and RPE was significantly lower following the cluster RT protocol.
• Perceived activation was higher after traditional RT, while cluster RT showed more favorable affective and perceptual responses.

Conclusions:

• Resistance training set configuration acutely modulates psychoaffective outcomes.
• Cluster RT elicits more favorable affective and perceptual responses compared to traditional RT.
• These findings suggest cluster RT may enhance exercise enjoyment and support long-term adherence.