Comparing full-body flywheel eccentric protocols: cluster set vs. traditional training on muscle damage, arterial...

The study investigated the acute effects of traditional (TRAD) and cluster (CLUS) set full-body flywheel eccentric exercise (FW) protocols on muscular performance, damage, vascular responses, and cognitive function. Twenty-four well trained male team sport athletes participated in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to TRAD or CLUS FW protocols. FW protocols consisted of four sets of eight repetitions for four exercises (squat, high pull, bent over row, and calf raise), with 120 seconds of rest between sets. Measured variables included creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, muscle and tendon stiffness, countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, blood pressure, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), anklebrachial index (ABI), heart rate, cognitive function, and fatigue. These assessments were conducted pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 24 h and 48 h post-exercise. Both protocols showed similar power outputs and cognitive improvement over time (p < .05). Handgrip strength declined in both groups, while perceived fatigue and muscle soreness increased (p < .05). However, the CLUS exhibited lower CK levels, lower quadriceps stiffness at 24 and 48 h post-exercise, and lower patellar tendon stiffness immediately post-exercise, compared to the TRAD (p < .05). Greater vascular fluctuations, particularly in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and CAVI, were observed in the TRAD group (p < .05). These findings suggest that a cluster set protocol for full-body flywheel eccentric exercise may be advantageous for recovery compared to a traditional set protocol in well trained male team sport athletes.