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NCT Number: NCT07495540

Comparison of the Effects of Free Weight and Machine-Based Exercises on Muscular Parameters

The aim of our study is to compare and investigate the effects of resistance exercises performed with free weights and those performed using machine systems on muscular parameters and neuromuscular control.

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Key information

Conditions

Resistance Exercise Adult Muscle Neuromuscular Adaptations

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Biruni University

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 34015, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being an individual between the ages of 18-30 years
  • Being physically inactive according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (<600 MET-min/week)
  • Residing in Istanbul
  • Voluntary participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Having a neurological or cardiopulmonary system problem that prevents exercise.
  • Having mental dysfunction.
  • Having an acute musculoskeletal injury which limits exercise participant
  • Being pregnant.
  • Having answered "YES" to any question on the Exercise Readiness Questionnaire.

Treatment and study plan

Machine-Based Resistance Exercise Group

Device

Participants will perform supervised resistance exercises using weight machines (including machine-based biceps curl, squat, and bench press) at an intensity of 60-80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Free Weight-Based Resistance Training Group

Other

Participants will perform supervised resistance exercises using free weights (dumbbells and barbell), including biceps curl, squat, and bench press, at an intensity of 60-80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), 2 sets of 8-12 repetitions, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Maximal voluntary strength of major muscle groups (upper and lower extremity) will be measured using 1-repetition maximum (1RM) tests for biceps curl, squat, and bench press. The heaviest weight that can be lifted once with proper form is recorded. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscular Endurance - Upper Extremity

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Upper extremity endurance will be assessed using the push-up test. Participants perform as many correct repetitions as possible within 1 minute. Higher repetitions indicate greater muscular endurance.

  2. Muscular Endurance - Lower Extremity

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Lower extremity endurance will be assessed using the squat test. Participants perform as many correct repetitions as possible in one minute period. Higher repetitions indicate better muscular endurance.

  3. Neuromuscular Control - Upper Extremity

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Upper extremity neuromuscular control will be measured using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. Participants perform hand touches over a marked line in 15 seconds. The average number of successful touches over 3 trials is recorded; higher scores indicate better neuromuscular control.

  4. Neuromuscular Control - Lower Extremity

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Lower extremity neuromuscular control will be measured using the Y-Balance Test. Participants maintain balance on one leg while reaching with the other leg in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral). Average reach distances over 3 trials are recorded. Greater distances indicate better neuromuscular control.

  5. Proprioception - Knee Joint

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Knee joint position sense will be assessed using digital goniometry at 15° and 60° flexion. Participants reproduce target angles with eyes closed. Absolute angular error in degrees is recorded; lower errors indicate better proprioception

  6. Proprioception - Elbow Joint

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Elbow joint position sense will be assessed using digital goniometry at 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion. Absolute angular error is recorded; lower values indicate better proprioception.

  7. Participant Satisfaction and Perceived Change

    Time frame: Post-intervention (after 8 weeks)

    Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale will be used. Participants rate perceived improvement after the exercise program on a 7-point numerical scale. Higher scores indicate greater perceived improvement.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Begüm Kara Kaya, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905355720021

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Biruni University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Free Weight and Machine-Based Exercise Effects on Muscular Parameters

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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