Effect of Different Reduced Training Frequencies After 12 Weeks of Concurrent Ballistic and Aerobic Training on...

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of two long-term reduced concurrent training frequencies (incorporating power training for the upper and high-intensity interval aerobic training for the lower extremities), in which participants performed one training session every either 7 or 14 days, after 12 weeks of systematic concurrent training on upper extremities' muscle strength, power, and morphology in young females. Methods: After a 12-week concurrent resistance and aerobic training period, participants were assigned into three groups and performed either one training session every 7 days (G7), or once every 14 days (G14), or detraining (GD) for 12 weeks, followed by 12 additional weeks of detraining. Results: Performance and muscle mass increased after the initial 12-week training period. After the reduced training frequency period, bench press 1-RM and aerobic power remained unchanged in G7 and decreased significantly in G14 (-5.9 ± 4.9%; -1.4 ± 4.5%). Muscle power and muscle thickness of the triceps branchii long head decreased significantly in G7 (-9.8 ± 7.7%; -0.9 ± 0.6%; respectively, p < 0.05) and G14 (-10.9 ± 7.6%; -2.8 ± 2.7%, respectively, p < 0.05), without significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, 12 weeks of systematic concurrent resistance (upper extremities) and aerobic training (lower extremities) induced significant improvements in upper extremities muscle power/strength and muscle architecture characteristics. Both reduced training frequencies led to significant reductions in power performance. Thus, performing one training session every 2 weeks for 3 months may preserve 90 to 95% of the muscle power/strength, aerobic power and 72% of muscle mass adaptations achieved with systematic concurrent training. However, greater preservations in the above parameters could be observed if the training frequency is one training session per week.