Comparison of the effect of three methods of cluster, drop set and pyramid resistance training on body composition and selected physical fitness parameters in male bodybuilders

Introduction: Resistance training with different methods can have different effects on body composition and physical fitness factors of athletes. So that this study aimed to compare the effects of three resistance training methods—cluster sets, drop sets, and pyramid training—on body composition and selected physical fitness parameters in male bodybuilders. Material & Methods: A semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements was used, involving three intervention groups. The statistical population included male bodybuilders aged 18 to 30 from Rasht, Iran, selected through convenience sampling. The training program of each group was implemented for 8 weeks and three sessions per week, and each group performed resistance training based on its own training method. Measurements of research variables including height, weight, body fat thickness, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and some physical fitness factors were performed at the beginning and end of the training period using standard tools and validated tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results related to body composition indicated a significant decrease in both weight and BMI in the drop set group (p = 0.007 for both) and the cluster training group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the pyramid group. All three training methods led to significant increases in arm and thigh circumference: drop set (p = 0.002 for both), pyramid training (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001), and cluster training (p = 0.000 and p = 0.003). No significant changes in body fat percentage were observed in any group)P<0/05). Between-group comparisons of post-test results revealed no statistically significant differences across the five measured body composition variables. In terms of physical fitness, all groups demonstrated significant improvements in upper body strength (p = 0.001). For lower body strength, significant gains were found in the pyramid and cluster training groups (p = 0.005 for both), whereas the drop set group did not show a statistically significant change, and in post-test comparisons also revealed no significant differences in strength gains among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that all three resistance training methods—drop set, cluster, and pyramid—produced similar effects on body composition and selected physical fitness parameters in male bodybuilders, with no significant differences between the groups.