title: Impairment of Performance Variables After In-Season Strength-Training Cessation in Elite Cyclists.
abstract: The current study investigated the effects of 8 wk of strength-training cessation after 25 wk of strength training on strength- and cycling-performance characteristics. Elite cyclists were randomly assigned to either 25 wk of endurance training combined with heavy strength training (EXP, n = 7, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 77 ± 6 mL . kg-1. min-1; 3 × 4-10 RM, 1 to 2 d/wk) or to endurance training only (CON, n = 7, V̇O2max73 ± 5 mL . kg-1. min-1). Thereafter, both groups performed endurance training only for 8 wk, coinciding with the initial part of the competition season. Data were assessed for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. During the 25-wk preparatory period, EXP had a larger positive impact on maximal isometric half-squat force, squat jump (SJ), maximal aerobic power (Wmax), power output at 4 mmol/L [La], and mean power in 30-s Wingate test than did CON (ES = 0.46-0.74). Conversely, during the 8-wk competition period EXP had a reduction in SJ, Wmax, and mean power in the 30-s Wingate test compared with CON (ES = 0.49-0.84). The present findings suggest rapid decline of adaptations on termination of strength training during the first 8 wk of the competition period in elite cyclists.
authors.forename: Bent R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Rønnestad
authors.forename: Joar
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hollan
authors.forename: Matt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Stian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ellefsen
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*
keywords: aerobic power output; concurrent training; peak power output; strength maintenance; weight training