Single vs. Multiple-Set Resistance Training in Sedentary Men

January 4, 2026 updated by: Ilgin Ali Coskun, Inonu University

Comparative Effects of Single vs. Multiple-Set Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Performance and Muscle Morphology in Sedentary Men

This study aimed to compare the effects of single-set versus multiple-set resistance training on neuromuscular performance and muscle morphology in sedentary men. Participants were randomly assigned to a single-set training group, a multiple-set training group, or a non-training control group. The intervention consisted of a structured resistance training program performed over a defined training period, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle without structured exercise. Neuromuscular performance outcomes included maximal strength and functional performance measures, and muscle morphology was assessed using appropriate imaging and anthropometric methods. The findings of this study are intended to contribute to the understanding of optimal resistance training volume for improving neuromuscular adaptations in previously untrained individuals.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of resistance training volume on neuromuscular performance and muscle morphology in sedentary adult men. Participants with no regular resistance training history were recruited and randomly allocated into three groups: a single-set resistance training group, a multiple-set resistance training group, and a non-training control group.

Both training groups participated in a supervised resistance training program targeting major muscle groups. The single-set group performed one set per exercise, while the multiple-set group performed multiple sets per exercise, using comparable exercise selection, intensity progression, and rest intervals. Training sessions were conducted at a consistent weekly frequency over the intervention period. The control group did not engage in any structured exercise program and was instructed to maintain their habitual daily activities throughout the study.

Neuromuscular performance was evaluated using maximal strength and functional performance assessments conducted before and after the intervention period. Muscle morphology outcomes were assessed using standardized measurement techniques appropriate for evaluating changes in muscle size and structure. All assessments were performed by trained personnel following standardized protocols.

The primary objective of the study was to compare the magnitude of neuromuscular and morphological adaptations between single-set and multiple-set resistance training protocols in previously untrained individuals. Secondary objectives included comparing both training interventions with a non-training control condition. The results of this study aim to provide evidence-based insight into the effectiveness of different resistance training volumes for improving neuromuscular adaptations in sedentary populations.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

34

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

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye), 44280
        • Inonu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

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 participants aged between 18 and 40 years
  • Sedentary lifestyle (no structured resistance training in the previous 6 months)
  • Apparently healthy, with no known cardiovascular, metabolic, or musculoskeletal disorders
  • Ability to participate in resistance training exercise
  • Willingness to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participation in regular resistance or structured exercise training within the past 6 months
  • History of musculoskeletal injury or surgery that could limit exercise performance
  • Presence of cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disease
  • Use of medications or supplements known to affect muscle function or performance
  • Any condition deemed unsafe for participation by the investigators

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: Single-Set Resistance Training
Participants performed a supervised resistance training program consisting of one set per exercise. Training was conducted at moderate intensity using standard resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups.
Behavioral: Resistance Training
A structured and supervised resistance training program performed at moderate intensity using free weights and resistance machines.
Experimental: Multiple-Set Resistance Training
Participants performed a supervised resistance training program consisting of multiple sets per exercise. Exercise selection, intensity, and training frequency were comparable to the single-set group.
Behavioral: Resistance Training
A structured and supervised resistance training program performed at moderate intensity using free weights and resistance machines.
No Intervention: Control Group
Participants did not participate in any structured exercise training program and were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities throughout the study period.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Maximal Muscle Strength (1RM)
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in maximal muscle strength assessed by one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for major upper- and lower-body exercises.
Baseline and Week 8

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Muscle morphology
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Changes in muscle morphology assessed using fat-free mass, body fat percentage, and limb circumference measurements.
Baseline and Week 8
Vertical Jump Height
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in vertical jump height assessed using a standardized countermovement jump test to evaluate lower-body explosive power.
Baseline and Week 8
20-m Sprint Time
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in 20-meter sprint time assessed using electronic timing gates to evaluate short-distance sprint performance.
Baseline and Week 8
Handgrip Strength
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in maximal handgrip strength assessed using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer to evaluate upper-body isometric strength.
Baseline and Week 8
Estimated VO₂max
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in estimated maximal oxygen uptake derived from performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1.
Baseline and Week 8
Perceived Exertion (OMNI-RES)
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in perceived exertion assessed using the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale during resistance training sessions.
Baseline and Week 8

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

Inonu University

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)

August 1, 2022

Primary Completion (Actual)

December 1, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

December 1, 2022

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

December 14, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 4, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

January 13, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

January 13, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 4, 2026

Last Verified

January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • INU-RT-SSMS-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

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.

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