Velocity-Based Resistance Training and Motor Skills in University Athletes (VBT)

November 21, 2025 updated by: Istanbul Gelisim University

Effects of Resistance Training Applied With a Velocity-Based Approach on Selected Motor Skills

This study investigated the effects of resistance training applied with a velocity-based approach on selected motor skills in university-level athletes. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a velocity-based training (VBT) group and a percentage-based training (PBT) group. Both groups performed lower-body resistance exercises over an 8-week period, three times per week. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted for countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint (20 m and 40 m), agility (505 test), and one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat performance. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of VBT and PBT on jump, sprint, agility, and strength performance. It was hypothesized that the VBT group would show greater improvements in motor skills compared to the PBT group.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

This randomized, parallel-group, interventional trial was designed to examine the effects of resistance training performed using a velocity-based approach on selected motor skills among trained university athletes.

A total of 20 male participants (aged 18-30 years) were randomly assigned into two groups:

Velocity-Based Training (VBT) group: performed squats, lunges, and similar lower-body exercises using individualized movement velocity feedback obtained from a linear encoder.

Percentage-Based Training (PBT) group: performed the same exercises based on traditional fixed-load percentages of one-repetition maximum (1RM).

Both training programs lasted 8 weeks and included three sessions per week. Pre- and post-tests included measurements of countermovement jump (CMJ) height and power, sprint times (20 m and 40 m), agility (505 test), and maximal squat strength (1RM).

The study was approved by the Istanbul Gelişim University Rectorate Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2024-01-144, Date: 12.01.2024) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided written informed consent prior to participation.

The primary outcome of interest was the change in CMJ performance. Secondary outcomes included sprint, agility, and 1RM strength improvements.

The results are expected to contribute to the understanding of how velocity-based resistance training affects neuromuscular adaptations and physical performance in athletes compared to traditional percentage-based training methods.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

20

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male university athletes aged 18-35 years
  • Regular participation in resistance training for at least 1 year
  • Free from any musculoskeletal injuries during the last 6 months
  • Willing to participate in all training sessions and testing procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current or recent musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders
  • Missed more than two training sessions during the study period
  • Use of performance-enhancing drugs or supplements during the study
  • Any medical condition that prevents participation in resistance training

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Percentage-Based Training (PBT) Group
Participants in this group performed a resistance training program based on fixed percentages of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). The training load was adjusted weekly according to percentage-based progression over 8 weeks.
The percentage-based training (PBT) group performed the same resistance exercises as the VBT group for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. Training loads were prescribed according to a fixed percentage of each participant's one-repetition maximum (1RM). Exercises included squats, lunges, and other lower-body movements aimed at improving strength and power.
Experimental: Velocity-Based Training (VBT) Group
Participants in this group performed the same resistance training exercises as the PBT group, but the training load and volume were adjusted according to movement velocity feedback using a linear position transducer. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks.
The velocity-based training (VBT) group performed lower-body resistance exercises for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. Training loads were adjusted based on real-time barbell velocity feedback measured with a linear encoder. Exercises included squats, lunges, and other multi-joint movements. Each session focused on maintaining optimal movement speed for power development.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Vertical Jump Height
Time Frame: 8 weeks (baseline to post-test)
Countermovement jump height will be measured using a force platform. Jump height (cm) will be calculated from flight time.
8 weeks (baseline to post-test)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
20 m Sprint Time
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Sprint speed will be measured using a 20-meter sprint test with electronic timing gates.
8 weeks
40 m Sprint Time
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Sprint performance will be measured using a 40-meter sprint test with electronic timing gates.
8 weeks
505 Agility Test Time
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Change of direction ability will be assessed using the 505 agility test.
8 weeks
1RM Back Squat Strength
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Maximal lower-body strength will be assessed using the one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat test.
8 weeks
CMJ Peak Force
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Peak force (N) during countermovement jump will be measured using a force platform.
8 weeks
CMJ Peak Power
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Peak power (W) will be calculated using data obtained from the force platform and linear encoder.
8 weeks
CMJ Peak Velocity
Time Frame: 8 weeks
Peak velocity (m/s) during countermovement jump will be measured using a linear encoder.
8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Serdar GÜR, PhD, Istanbul Gelişim University, Faculty of Sports Sciences

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

January 15, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

March 30, 2024

Study Completion (Actual)

April 15, 2024

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

November 14, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 21, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

November 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

November 25, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

November 21, 2025

Last Verified

October 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • IGU-2024-01-144-VBT-1

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

Individual participant data will not be shared. Summary data may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Athletic Performance

Clinical Trials on Percentage-Based Training (PBT)

Subscribe