Detraining Produces Minimal Changes in Physical Performance and Hormonal Variables in Recreationally Strength-Trained Men

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
N. Travis Triplett Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: The object of this study was to examine changes in muscular strength, power, and resting hormonal concentrations during 6 weeks of detraining (DTR) in recreationally strengthtrained men. Each subject was randomly assigned to either a DTR (n 5 9) or resistance training (RT; n 5 7) group after being matched for strength, body size, and training experience. Muscular strength and power testing, anthropometry, and blood sampling were performed before the experimental period (T1), after 3 weeks (T2), and after the 6-week experimental period (T3). One-repetition maximum (1RM) shoulder and bench press increased in RT at T3 (p # 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in DTR. Peak power output and mean power output significantly decreased (9 and 10%) in DTR at T2. Peak torque of the elbow flexors at 908 did not change in the RT group but did significantly decrease by 11.9% at T3 compared with T1 in the DTR group. Vertical jump height increased in RT at T2 but did not change in DTR. Neither group displayed any changes in 1RM squat, body mass, percent body fat, or resting concentrations of growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone–binding globulin, testosterone, cortisol, or adrenocorticotropin. These data demonstrate that 6 weeks of resistance DTR in recreationally trained men affects power more than it does strength without any accompanying changes in resting hormonal concentrations. For the recreational weight trainer, losses in strength over 6 weeks are less of a concern compared with anaerobic power and upper arm isometric force production. Anaerobic power exercise with a high metabolic component coming from glycolysis might be of importance for reducing the impact of DTR on Wingate power performances. A minimal maintenance training program is recommended for the recreational lifter to offset any reductions in performance.

Additional Information

Publication
Kraemer, W.J., Koziris, L.P., Ratamess, N.A., Häkkinen, K., Triplett-McBride, N.T., Fry, A.C., Gordon, S.E., Volek, J.S., French, D.N., Rubin, M.R., Gomez, A.L., Sharman, M.J., Lynch, J.M., Izquierdo, M., Newton, R.U., and Fleck, S.J. (2002), Detraining produces minimal changes in physical performance and hormonal variables in recreationally strength-trained men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 16(3), 373-382. (Aug 2002) Published by National Strength and Conditioning Association (ISSN: 1533-4287). Original version available from publisher’s web site: http://www.nsca-lift.org
Language: English
Date: 2002

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