The effects of two loading patterns of resistance training (skewed pyramid & reverse step) on some physical and physiological capabilities of non-athlete men

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the effects of two different loading patterns of resistance training (skewed pyramid & reverse step) on some physical and physiological capabilities of non-athlete men. For this purpose, 30 non-athlete men with a resistance training experience of less than six months are selected among volunteers and randomly assigned to control (n=10), reverse step loading (n=10), and skewed pyramid loading (n=10) groups. Their strength, speed, agility, explosive power, muscle volume, and body composition were measured before and after 10 weeks of training. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. Results show that in both groups of skewed pyramid and reverse step, the variables of strength, speed, agility, explosive power, and muscle volume have had a significant increase compared to the control group. Also, the body composition of the training groups significantly improved and fat percentage decreased (p˂0.05). However, there were more positive changes in thigh volume, lower body strength and body fat percentage in skewed pyramid compared to reverse step (p˂0.05). Generally, it seems that the skewed pyramid pattern has a higher importance and priority than the reverse step pattern in improving both physical and physiological factors, especially muscle strength and muscle volume development of non-athlete men.