STRENGTH TRAINING EFFECTS ARE LOST AFTER SIX MONTHS OF DETRAINING

Silva, E. B., Teixeira, M. S., Pinto, F. G., Santos, C. B., Filho, M. V., & Gomes, P. S. (2001). Effects of training frequencies on detraining after upper body muscular strength training in military males 18 years of age. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 752.

Males (N = 60) were tested for maximum repetition of pull-ups and then assigned to a non-exercise control group and one of three experimental groups. All experimental groups performed one set of maximum repetitions, at the rate of one every four seconds, for one, three, or five times per week over a period of two months. Tests were performed at completion of training and after six months of detraining.

After training, the five-times per week group was significantly stronger than the other groups, and the three-times per week group was stronger than the once-a-week group. After six months of detraining all groups returned to pretraining values.

Implication. The type of strength training received and its differential effects were completely lost after six months of detraining.

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