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Published on: July 5, 2017
Effect of training cessation on muscular performance: a meta-analysis
L Bosquet1, N Berryman, O Dupuy
1Faculty of Sport Sciences, Laboratoire MOVE (EA 6413), University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France. laurent.bosquet@univ-poitiers.fr
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|January 26, 2013
Summary
Stopping resistance training negatively impacts strength, including submaximal strength, maximal force, and maximal power. The decline in muscular performance is more pronounced with longer cessation periods and in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Human Performance
Background:
- Resistance training is crucial for maintaining muscular strength and performance.
- Understanding the detriments of training cessation is vital for public health and athletic programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the impact of ceasing resistance training on various measures of muscular strength using a meta-analysis.
- To identify moderators influencing the magnitude of strength loss after training cessation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, synthesizing data from 103 eligible studies identified across seven databases.
- Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was calculated to quantify the effect size of training cessation on muscular performance.
- Moderators including training status, sex, age, and duration of cessation were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Resistance training cessation significantly decreased submaximal strength (SMD = -0.62), maximal force (SMD = -0.46), and maximal power (SMD = -0.20).
- A dose-response relationship was observed, with longer cessation periods leading to greater strength decrements.
- The negative effects were more substantial in older adults (>65 years) and in previously inactive individuals compared to recreational athletes.
Conclusions:
- Cessation of resistance training leads to a significant decline across all measures of muscular strength.
- The degree of strength loss is influenced by the duration of inactivity, age, and prior training status.
- These findings underscore the importance of consistent resistance training for long-term strength maintenance.
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