A reduction in training volume and intensity for 21 days does not impair performance in cyclists

Objectives-(a) To investigate the effects of reduced training on physical c ondition and performance in well trained cyclists; (b) to study whether an intermittent exercise programme would maintain physiological training adapt ations more effectively than a continuous exercise programme during a perio d of reduced training. Methods-Twelve male cyclists participated in a 21 day training programme an d were divided into two training groups. One group (age 25.3 (7) years; wei ght 73.3 (5.7) kg; VO(2)MAX 58.6 (4.5) ml/kg/min; means (SD)) underwent a c ontinuous endurance exercise training programme (CT) whereas the second gro up (age 22.8 (3.5) years; weight 74.1 (7.0) kg; VO(2)MAX 59.7 (6.7) ml/kg/m in) followed an intermittent endurance exercise training programme (IT). Du ring this reduced training period, both groups trained for two hours a day, three days a week. Results-Neither group showed changes in maximal workload (WMAX) (4.6 (0.5) v 4.8 (0.5) W/kg and 4.6 (0.5) v 4.7 (0.6) W/kg for the CT and IT group res pectively) and VO(2)MAX (58.6 (4.5) v 60.1 (5.8) ml/kg/min and 59.7 (6.7) v 58.8 (7.5) ml/kg/min for the CT and IT group respectively). During the sub maximal steady state exercise test, substrate use and heart rate remained u nchanged after reduced training. Conclusions-These results indicate that well trained cyclists who reduce tr aining intensity and volume for 21 days can maintain physiological adaptati ons, as measured during submaximal and maximal exercise. An intermittent tr aining regimen has no advantage over a continuous training regimen during a detraining period.