Comparison between flat and double pyramid resistance training protocols on physical fitness and anthropometric measures in elite young soccer players

The aim of this study was comparison between of two resistance training protocols, double pyramid and flat pyramid loading pattern, on physical fitness and body composition in young soccer players. Therefore, 39 young soccer players from Syrian super league were divided randomly into three; control (age: 17.76±0.6 years, weight: 71.9±4 kg, height: 176.2±5 cm and VO2max: 40.7±1.4 ml/kg/min), double pyramid (age 17.46±0.63 years, weight: 71.9±6 kg, height: 176.1±6.7 cm and VO2max 41.2±2) and flat pyramid (age: 18.16±0.83 years, weight: 73.8±7.3 kg, height176.1±5.8 cm and VO2max: 42.3±3.6 ml/kg/min) resistance training groups. The training groups participated 3 times/wk for 8 weeks in resistance training sessions in addition to daily common soccer training sessions. The control group participated only in daily common training sessions. Muscle strength was improved significantly in both double pyramid and flat pyramid loading groups after eight weeks of training (P<0.05) and there were significant differences between these two groups and control group (P<0.05). Both strength training protocols induced no significant differences in BMI and body fat percentage. It can be concluded that double pyramid and flat pyramid loading has no advantage to each other which challenges existing theories in this area. Therefore, more comprehensive works certainly remains to be done because poor body of similar evidence is available.