Post-season detraining effects on physiological and performance parameters in top-level kayakers: comparison of two recovery strategies

This study analyzed changes in physiological parameters,hormonal markers and kayaking performance following 5-wk ofreduced training (rt) or complete training cessation (tc).fourteen top-level male kayakers were randomly assigned toeither a tc (n = 7) or rt group (n = 7) at the end of theircompetitive season (t1). subjects undertook blood samplingand an incremental test to exhaustion on a kayak ergometer att1 and again following 5 weeks of rt or tc (t2). maximaloxygen uptake (vo2max) and oxygen uptake at secondventilatory threshold (vt2) significantly decreased followingtc (-10.1% and -8.8%, respectively). significant decreases werealso observed in rt group but to a lesser extent (-4.8% and -5.7% respectively). heart rate at vt2 showed significantincreases following tc (3.5%). however, no changes, weredetected in heart rate at vo2max in any group. peak blood lactateremained unchanged in both groups at t2. paddling speed atvo2max declined significantly at t2 in the tc group (-3.3%),while paddling speed at vt2 declined significantly in bothgroups (-5.0% and -4.2% for tc and rt, respectively). strokerate at vo2max and at vt2 increased significantly only followingtc by 5.2% and 4.9%, respectively. paddling power at vo2maxand at vt2 decreased significantly in both groups although thevalues observed following rt were higher than those observedfollowing tc. a significant decline in cortisol levels (-30%)was observed in both groups, while a higher increase intestosterone to cortisol ratio was detected in the rt group.these results indicate that a rt strategy may be more effectivethan complete tc in order to avoid excessive declines incardiovascular function and kayaking performance in top-levelpaddlers.