Int J Sports Med 1992; 13(8): 572-576
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024567
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Short-Term Training Cessation on Performance Measures in Distance Runners

J. A. Houmard, T. Hortobágyi, R. A. Johns, N. J. Bruno, C. C. Nute, M. H. Shinebarger, J. W. Welborn*
  • Human Performance Laboratory and *Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Safety, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

Abstract

This study examined if measures associated with distance running performance were affected by short-term (14 d) training cessation in 12 distance runners. V̇O2max decreased by ≈ 3 ml · kg-1 · min-1 (mean ± SE, 61.6 ± 2.0 vs 58.7 ± 1.8 ml · kg-1 · min-1, p < 0.05) with training cessation. Time to exhaustion (TTE) during the incremental V̇O2max test decreased by 1.2 min (13.0 ± 0.5 vs 11.8 ± 0.5 min, p < 0.001) and maximal heart rate increased (p < 0.001) by 9 beats per minute (BPM). No changes in running economy (75 and 90% V̇O2max) were evident, although submaximal heart rate increased by 11 BPM (p < 0.001) at both running speeds. Other evidence for detraining were decreases in estimated resting plasma volume (-5.1 ± 1.9%) and muscle citrate synthase activity (-25.3 ± 2.6%, p < 0.05). Muscular atrophy (muscle fiber cross-sectional area) was not evident. TTE and submaximal heart rate exhibited relatively large percent changes (-9 and +6%, respectively) compared to V̇O2max (-4%). These findings indicate that the reduction in V̇O2max with short-term training cessation is relatively small. TTE and submaximal heart rate may be easily measured, yet more sensitive indicators of decrements in distance running performance.