title: Effects of long-term training cessation in young top-level road cyclists.
abstract: In cycling, it is common practice to have a break in the off season longer than 4 weeks while adopting an almost sedentary lifestyle, and such a break is considered to be long-term detraining. No previous studies have assessed the effect of training cessation with highly trained young cyclists. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine effects of 5 weeks of training cessation in 10 young (20.1 ± 1.4 years) male road cyclists for body composition, haematological and physiological parameters. After training cessation, body mass of cyclists increased (P = 0.014; ES = 0.9). [Formula: see text] (L · min-1= -8.8 ± 5.0%, mL · kg-1·min-1= -10.8 ± 4.2%,), Wmax(W = -6.5 ± 3.1%, W · kg-1= -8.5 ± 3.3%,), WLT1(W = -12.9 ± 7.0%, W · kg-1= -14.8 ± 7.4%,), WLT2(W = -11.5 ± 7.0%, W · kg-1= -13.4 ± 7.6%,) and haematological (red blood cells count, -6.6 ± 4.8%; haemoglobin, -5.4 ± 4.3% and haematocrit, -2.9 ± 3.0%) values decreased (P ≤ 0.028; ES ≥ 0.9). Five weeks of training cessation resulted in large decreases in physiological and haematological values in young top-level road cyclists suggesting the need for a shorter training stoppage. This long-term detraining is more pronounced when expressed relative to body mass emphasising the influence of such body mass on power output. A maintenance programme based on reduced training strategies should be implemented to avoid large declines in physiological values in young cyclists who aspire to become professionals.
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Performance Analysis in Sport, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maldonado-Martín
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Performance Analysis in Sport, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain.
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cámara
authors.affiliation: b Department of Sport & Exercise , University of Gloucestershire , Gloucester , UK.
authors.forename: David V B
authors.initials: DVB
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: c Department for Education, Linguistic Policy and Culture of the Basque Government , KIROLENE Public Centre for Sports Education , Durango , Spain.
authors.forename: Juan Ramón
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Fernández-López
authors.affiliation: a Laboratory of Performance Analysis in Sport, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences , University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Vitoria-Gasteiz , Spain.
authors.forename: Xabier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Artetxe-Gezuraga
mesh_terms: D001642:Bicycling / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D006400:Hematocrit; D006452:Hemoglobinometry; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid
keywords: Detraining consequences; athletic performance; body mass; submaximal variables