Effect of Different Reduced Training Frequencies After 12 Weeks of Concurrent Ballistic and Aerobic Training on Muscle Power and Triceps Brachii Muscle Architecture

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> 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 per...

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Main Authors: Thomas Mpampoulis, Spyridon Methenitis, Angeliki N. Stasinaki, Nikolaos Zaras, Gregory C. Bogdanis, Gerasimos Terzis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/1/37
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Summary:<b>Background/Objectives:</b> 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. <b>Methods:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> 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, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and G14 (−10.9 ± 7.6%; −2.8 ± 2.7%, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.05), without significant differences between groups (<i>p</i> > 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> 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.
ISSN:2411-5142