The Effects of Powerlifting-Based Training on Hormonal, Metabolic, and Lipid Profile Parameters in Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Phase: NA
Conditions: Physical Fitness, Hormonal Response, Metabolic Parameters
Sponsor: Ramazan Erdoğan

STUDY PROTOCOL 
 
Official Study Title: Effects of Powerlifting-Based Training in Athletes 
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT Not Yet Assigned 
Unique Protocol ID: E-31679287-663.05-523405 
Document Type: Study Protocol 
Document Date: 09 September 2025 
Sponsor / Institution: Dicle University 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1. Background 
Powerlifting-based resistance training is widely used to improve muscular strength, 
neuromuscular adaptations, and athletic performance. In recent years, interest has increased in 
understanding the physiological responses associated with structured strength training 
programs, particularly their effects on hormonal, metabolic, and lipid profile parameters. 
Hormonal responses such as testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones play 
a critical role in adaptation to resistance exercise. Additionally, metabolic and lipid profile 
markers provide valuable information regarding cardiometabolic health and training-induced 
adaptations. However, evidence regarding short-term powerlifting-based interventions in 
trained athletes remains limited. This study aims to investigate the physiological effects of a 
structured powerlifting-based training program in male athletes using a randomized controlled 
design. 
2. Objectives 
Primary Objective 
To evaluate the effects of a powerlifting-based training program on hormonal parameters in 
athletes. 
Secondary Objectives 
To examine changes in metabolic markers following the intervention 
To assess alterations in lipid profile parameters 
To compare outcomes between intervention and control groups 
3. Study Design 
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a parallel-group design. 
Study Type: Interventional 
Allocation: Randomized 
Masking: None (Open Label) 
Number of Arms: 2 
Study Duration: 8 weeks 
Study Setting: University-based sports science laboratories 
4. Participants 
Inclusion Criteria: 
Male athletes aged 18–24 years 
Minimum of two years of regular sports participation 
Actively training in basketball 
Voluntary participation with written informed consent 

Exclusion Criteria: 
Musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the last 6 months 
Presence of chronic disease or metabolic disorder 
Use of hormonal or performance-enhancing substances 
Participation in another structured training program 
5. Interventions 
Arm 1: Powerlifting-Based Training Group 
Participants will perform a structured powerlifting-based training program in addition to their 
regular basketball training. 
Training characteristics: 
Frequency: 3 sessions per week 
Duration: 8 weeks 
Session length: ~60 minutes 
Exercises: Squat, bench press, deadlift 
Intensity: Progressive loading 
Additional components: accessory exercises and core training 
Supervision: All sessions supervised by qualified staff 
Arm 2: Control Group 
Participants will continue their usual basketball training routines without any additional 
strength or powerlifting-based exercises. 
6. Outcome Measures 
Primary Outcomes 
Measured at baseline and after 8 weeks: 
Serum total testosterone (ng/dL) 
Serum cortisol (µg/dL) 
Serum growth hormone (ng/mL) 
Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (µIU/mL) 
Serum triiodothyronine (ng/dL) 
Serum thyroxine (µg/dL) 
(All measured using ELISA methods) 
Secondary Outcomes 

Fasting insulin (µIU/mL) 
Fasting blood glucose (mg/dL) 
Total cholesterol (mg/dL) 
LDL cholesterol (mg/dL) 
HDL cholesterol (mg/dL) 
Triglycerides (mg/dL) 
(All analyzed using automated biochemical analyzers) 
7. Statistical Analysis 
Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical software. 
Descriptive statistics will be calculated for all variables. 
Normality will be assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. 
Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-tests or non-
parametric equivalents. 
Within-group comparisons will be performed using paired t-tests. 
Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. 
8. Ethical Considerations 
This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Dicle University (Approval No: E-
31679287-663.05-523405). 
All participants will provide written informed consent prior to participation. The study will be 
conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. 
9. Data Sharing Statement 
Individual participant data will not be shared due to ethical restrictions and confidentiality 
concerns. 
10. Contact Information 
Principal Investigator: 
Ramazan Erdoğan, PhD 
Munzur University 
Email: ramaznerdogan@hotmail.com 
Phone: +90 536 290 29 79