title: Performance of maximum number of repetitions with cluster-set configuration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze performance during the execution of a maximum number of repetitions (MNR) in a cluster-set configuration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine judokas performed 2 sessions of parallel squats with a load corresponding to 4-repetition maximum (4RM) with a traditional-training (TT) and cluster-training (CT) set configuration. The TT consisted of 3 sets of repetitions leading to failure and 3 min of rest between sets. In the CT the MNR was performed with a rest interval between repetitions (45.44 ± 11.89 s). The work-to-rest ratio was similar for CT and TT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MNR in CT was 45.5 ± 32 repetitions and was 9.33 ± 1.87 times the volume in TT. There was a tendency for the average mean propulsive velocity (MPV) to be higher in CT (0.39 ± 0.04 vs 0.36 ± 0.04 m/s for CT and TT, respectively, P = .054, standardized mean difference [d] = 0.57). The average MPV was higher in CT for a similar number of repetitions (0.44 ± 0.08 vs 0.36 ± 0.04 m/s for CT and TT, respectively, P = .006, d = 1.33). The number of repetitions in TT was correlated with absolute 4RM load (r = -.719, P = .031) but not in CT (r = -.273, P = .477).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A cluster-set configuration allows for a higher number of repetitions and improved sustainability of mechanical performance. CT, unlike TT, was not affected by absolute load, suggesting an improvement of training volume with high absolute loads.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Physical Education and Sports, University of A Coruña, Spain.
authors.forename: Eliseo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iglesias-Soler
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carballeira
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Otero
authors.forename: Xian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fernández-del-Olmo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult