Detraining in young soccer players

Background. Two types of detraining can be described: shortterm detraining with a period of less than 4 weeks, and longterm detraining (period longer than 4 weeks). The purpose of this study is to verify the presence and eventually the magnitude of physiological cardiorespiratory changes in young team sport players after a period of long-term detraining. Methods. Fourteen young soccer players (15±1 year) were studied with two incremental tests at the end of the regular season and after a six-week total break period from training activities. Physiological variables were evaluated: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO₂), volume of ventilation (VE), aerobic (VA) and anaerobic Van running speed at thresholds and maximum effort were recorded. Results. This study shows the magnitude of the physiological changes in young players after a period of long-term detraining. The results showed significant decreases at the end of the detraining period of VO₂ at VA of 22.7% (44.54±4.56 vs. 34.41±4.57 mL/kg/min, P2 at VAn (54.60±5.81 vs. 40.48±5.07 mL/kg/min, P2max (62.83±5.77 vs. 49.46±6.51 mL/kg/min, P