Muscular StrengthNCT07860151
The Effects of a 12-week Block Periodization vs. Daily Undulating Periodization on Muscular Strength and Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Adults.
A study testing Block Periodization Resistance Training and Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance Training in people with Muscular Strength, run by Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This study compared the effects of two resistance training periodization models, block periodization and daily undulating periodization, on muscular strength and force production in healthy young adults with limited resistance training experience. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscular Strength
- What is being tested?
- Block Periodization Resistance Training and Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 4 Sep 2023to 26 Jun 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 0-2,5 years of strength training experience
- between the ages of 18 and 35
- without chronic diseases that would preclude resistance training
Who cannot join
None listed.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This study compared the effects of two resistance training periodization models, block periodization and daily undulating periodization, on muscular strength and force production in healthy young adults with limited resistance training experience. Participants were randomly assigned to a block periodization group, a daily undulating periodization group, or a non-training control group. The two training groups completed three supervised resistance training sessions per week for 12 weeks. Both training programs used the same exercises and were designed to have similar total training volume and average programmed relative intensity, but differed in how training volume and intensity were organized over time. Muscular strength and force production were assessed before and after the intervention using the isometric mid-thigh pull and single-joint isometric strength testing of the knee and elbow.
Read the detailed description
This was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study designed to compare the effects of block periodization (BP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) on maximal and rapid isometric force production in healthy young adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: block periodization, daily undulating periodization, or a non-training control group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Participants in both resistance training groups completed three supervised training sessions per week, for a total of 36 planned sessions.
The BP and DUP groups performed the same resistance exercises and were programmed to complete equivalent total training volume and similar average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention. The principal difference between the groups was the temporal organization of training volume and intensity. In the BP group, training was organized into sequential three-week blocks emphasizing different loading characteristics. In the DUP group, loading variables were varied more frequently between training sessions within each weekly microcycle.
Before and after the 12-week intervention, participants completed assessments of muscular strength and force production. Maximal and rapid force production were assessed using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), including peak force and force produced at 150, 200, and 250 milliseconds after contraction onset. Single-joint isometric strength of the knee flexors and extensors and elbow flexors and extensors was assessed using a Biodex System 4 Pro dynamometer. Body mass and body composition were also assessed.
The purpose of the study was to determine whether differences in the organization of resistance training, when exercise selection, total training volume, and average programmed relative intensity were controlled, resulted in different adaptations in maximal and rapid force production.In addition, cognitive function was assessed at the beginning and end of the 12-week intervention using the Stroop test.
- Conditions
- Muscular Strength
- Being tested
- Block Periodization Resistance Training, Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance Training
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Block Periodization Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Also called BP
Participants completed a 12-week supervised block periodization resistance training program with three sessions per week. Training was organized into four consecutive three-week blocks. The programmed relative intensities across the four blocks were approximately 70%, 83%, 78%, and 90% of estimated 1RM, respectively, with corresponding changes in sets and repetitions. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention were matched to the Daily Undulating Periodization group. Loads were individually adjusted based on performance and repetitions in reserve (RIR).
Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance TrainingBehavioural
Also called DUP
Participants completed a 12-week supervised daily undulating periodization resistance training program with three sessions per week. Training volume and relative intensity varied between sessions within each weekly microcycle, using loading conditions corresponding to approximately 70%, 78%, 83%, and 90% of estimated 1RM across the intervention. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention were matched to the Block Periodization group. Loads were individually adjusted based on performance and repetitions in reserve (RIR).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Block Periodization (BP) | Experimental | Participants completed a 12-week supervised block-periodized resistance training program consisting of three training sessions per week. Training was organized into sequential three-week blocks with systematic changes in training volume and relative intensity. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the intervention were matched to the Daily Undulating Periodization group. Receives: Behavioral: Block Periodization Resistance Training |
| Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) | Active comparator | Participants completed a 12-week supervised daily undulating resistance training program consisting of three training sessions per week. Training volume and relative intensity varied between training sessions within each weekly microcycle. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the intervention were matched to the Block Periodization group. Receives: Behavioral: Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance Training |
| Control (CON) | No intervention | Participants did not participate in the resistance training intervention and were instructed to maintain their usual physical activity throughout the 12-week study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
maximal and rapid force production characteristics derived from the IMTP, including net peak force and force expressed at 150-, 200-, and 250 ms
Measured: At the start and end of the 12-week intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Oct 2026
- Study start4 Sep 2023
- Primary completion2 Jun 2024
- Study completion26 Jun 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Muscular StrengthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860151
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AWFiS/2025_2_MK
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of a 12-week Block Periodization vs. Daily Undulating Periodization on Muscular Strength and Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Adults.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07860151
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AWFiS/2025_2_MK
- Conditions
- Muscular Strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and SportUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Jun 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compared the effects of two resistance training periodization models, block periodization and daily undulating periodization, on muscular strength and force production in healthy young adults with limited resistance training experience. Participants were randomly assigned to a block periodization group, a daily undulating periodization group, or a non-training control group. The two training groups completed three supervised resistance training sessions per week for 12 weeks. Both training programs used the same exercises and were designed to have similar total training volume and average programmed relative intensity, but differed in how training volume and intensity were organized over time. Muscular strength and force production were assessed before and after the intervention using the isometric mid-thigh pull and single-joint isometric strength testing of the knee and elbow.
Detailed description
This was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study designed to compare the effects of block periodization (BP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) on maximal and rapid isometric force production in healthy young adults.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: block periodization, daily undulating periodization, or a non-training control group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Participants in both resistance training groups completed three supervised training sessions per week, for a total of 36 planned sessions.
The BP and DUP groups performed the same resistance exercises and were programmed to complete equivalent total training volume and similar average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention. The principal difference between the groups was the temporal organization of training volume and intensity. In the BP group, training was organized into sequential three-week blocks emphasizing different loading characteristics. In the DUP group, loading variables were varied more frequently between training sessions within each weekly microcycle.
Before and after the 12-week intervention, participants completed assessments of muscular strength and force production. Maximal and rapid force production were assessed using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), including peak force and force produced at 150, 200, and 250 milliseconds after contraction onset. Single-joint isometric strength of the knee flexors and extensors and elbow flexors and extensors was assessed using a Biodex System 4 Pro dynamometer. Body mass and body composition were also assessed.
The purpose of the study was to determine whether differences in the organization of resistance training, when exercise selection, total training volume, and average programmed relative intensity were controlled, resulted in different adaptations in maximal and rapid force production.In addition, cognitive function was assessed at the beginning and end of the 12-week intervention using the Stroop test.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Block Periodization (BP) | Experimental | Behavioral: Block Periodization Resistance TrainingParticipants completed a 12-week supervised block-periodized resistance training program consisting of three training sessions per week. Training was organized into sequential three-week blocks with systematic changes in training volume and relative intensity. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the intervention were matched to the Daily Undulating Periodization group. |
| Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance TrainingParticipants completed a 12-week supervised daily undulating resistance training program consisting of three training sessions per week. Training volume and relative intensity varied between training sessions within each weekly microcycle. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the intervention were matched to the Block Periodization group. |
| Control (CON) | No intervention | –Participants did not participate in the resistance training intervention and were instructed to maintain their usual physical activity throughout the 12-week study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 0-2,5 years of strength training experience
- between the ages of 18 and 35
- without chronic diseases that would preclude resistance training
Key exclusion criteria (0 listed)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Block Periodization Resistance TrainingAlso: BPParticipants completed a 12-week supervised block periodization resistance training program with three sessions per week. Training was organized into four consecutive three-week blocks. The programmed relative intensities across the four blocks were approximately 70%, 83%, 78%, and 90% of estimated 1RM, respectively, with corresponding changes in sets and repetitions. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention were matched to the Daily Undulating Periodization group. Loads were individually adjusted based on performance and repetitions in reserve (RIR). | Behavioural | Block Periodization (BP) |
| Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance TrainingAlso: DUPParticipants completed a 12-week supervised daily undulating periodization resistance training program with three sessions per week. Training volume and relative intensity varied between sessions within each weekly microcycle, using loading conditions corresponding to approximately 70%, 78%, 83%, and 90% of estimated 1RM across the intervention. Exercise selection, total programmed training volume, and average programmed relative intensity across the 12-week intervention were matched to the Block Periodization group. Loads were individually adjusted based on performance and repetitions in reserve (RIR). | Behavioural | Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) |
Primary outcome
maximal and rapid force production characteristics derived from the IMTP, including net peak force and force expressed at 150-, 200-, and 250 ms
Time frame: At the start and end of the 12-week intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Oct 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Block Periodization Resistance Training and Daily Undulating Periodization Resistance Training in people with Muscular Strength, run by Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport at 1 site in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
maximal and rapid force production characteristics derived from the IMTP, including net peak force and force expressed at 150-, 200-, and 250 ms (time frame: At the start and end of the 12-week intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Oct 2026.