Data from: The effects of short term detraining and retraining on physical fitness in elite soccer players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic
high-intensity training with reduced volume and training cessation on body
composition and physical fitness after the end of season and the time
required to recapture physical fitness with intensified retraining
following two weeks of detraining in elite soccer players. Method: Twenty
male semi-professional soccer players participated in this study. The
soccer players were assigned to either a group that completed
high-intensity aerobic training (HAT, n = 10) or to a detraining and
retraining group (DHAT, n = 10) for a 5-week period immediately after the
end of the season. The first 2 weeks of the period, members of the HAT
group performed high-intensity aerobic exercise (80–90% of HRmax, 12 min ×
3, three times per week), whereas members of the DHAT group abstained from
any physical activity. During the subsequent 3 weeks, members of both the
HAT and DHAT groups completed high-intensity aerobic exercise. Exercise
performance testing and body composition analysis were performed before;
after 2 weeks of detraining; and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks of retraining.
Results: Intensified high-intensity training for 5 weeks maintained the
performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 test (Yo-Yo IR2)
and repeated sprints at any time point (P > 0.05). However 2 weeks
of detraining resulted in significant decreases in the performance on the
Yo-Yo IR2 (P < 0.01) and repeated sprints test (P < 0.05).
Performance on the Yo-Yo IR2 enhanced after 2 weeks of retraining and was
maintained up to 3 weeks after retraining, with no significant differences
between conditions (P > 0.05). In addition, repeated sprint
performance markedly decreased after the detraining period (P <
0.05) and was continuously lower compared to the baseline at 2 weeks after
retraining (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this value reached baseline
level at the end of the experimental period (P > 0.05). There were
no significant differences between conditions in body composition,
performance of agility, or sprint ability throughout the 5-week
experimental period (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The present data
suggest that short-term detraining after the competitive season can
markedly decrease performances in the Yo-Yo IR2 test and repeated sprints.
To return to a previous level of ability on the Yo-Yo IR2 and/or sprint
test with retraining through high-intensity aerobic training after a
period of detraining, a similar or longer period of retraining is
required. However, the high-intensity training with reduced amount of
training after competitive season can prevent reductions in physical
fitness.