Stretch between sets for more reps? a trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT07723768
First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether stretching the muscles you just worked (agonist) or the opposing muscles (antagonist) during rest between sets of bench press and squat can improve the number of reps you can do. Healthy adults aged 18-30 with at least 6 months of resistance training experience will compare three rest strategies: agonist stretching, antagonist stretching, and no stretching. The study measures total reps completed and looks at muscle structure and nerve activity to understand the effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- stretching exercises (agonist or antagonist) during rest between sets of strength training
- What this could lead to
- If stretching between sets improves performance, it could help athletes and gym-goers optimize their training routines.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 35 participants. Results may not apply to all types of exercise or people.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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35 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Finished
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Jun 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 30 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Male or female adults aged 18-30 years. Apparently healthy, with no medical conditions that contraindicate participation in resistance training. A minimum of 6 consecutive months of resistance training experience. Regular resistance training participation of at least three sessions per week during the previous 6 months. Previous experience performing the back squat and bench press exercises with correct technique. Ability to perform maximal intended concentric velocity during resistance exercises. Willingness to refrain from vigorous physical activity during the 24 hours preceding each testing and training session. Ability and willingness to comply with all study procedures. Provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Current musculoskeletal injury affecting the upper or lower limbs that limits participation in resistance training or testing. Acute or chronic pain that is aggravated by the study exercises. Cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, or other medical conditions that contraindicate vigorous physical exercise. Current participation in another structured intervention study or clinical trial. Inability to attend the scheduled assessments or training sessions. Failure to comply with the study protocol or training requirements. Withdrawal of informed consent at any stage of the study. Occurrence of an adverse event during the intervention that prevents continued participation.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Edificio D
Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
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