Effects of short-term detraining in female football players: an approach based on initial level

Introduction: The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of detraining period based on the initial physical fitness level determined through the Total Score of Athleticism (TSA) in female soccer players. Material and method: Fourteen football players underwent pre- and post-detraining period (i.e., 2 weeks) assessments, which included a countermovement jump test (CMJ), a 30-meter sprint test, and a repeated sprint ability test (RSA: 8 sprints of 30 meters with 25 seconds of recovery). The players were classified based on TSA obtained before detraining period (TSAB = group of players with TSA <0 and TSAA = group of players with TSA >0). Results: A performance decline was observed in both TSAB and TSAA groups in CMJ (TSAB: P = 0.007, ES = 1.12; TSAA: P = 0.000, ES = 2.15, respectively) and in the average time of the RSA test (TSAB: P = 0.001, ES = 1.86; TSAA: P = 0.000, ES = 2.19, respectively), with no changes in the 30-meter sprint (TSAB: P = 0.319, ES = 0.43; TSAA: P = 0.072, ES = 0.63, respectively) or TSA (TSAA: 0.42 ± 0.31 vs. 0.24 ± 0.55, P = 0.369, ES = 0.20; TSAB: -0.57 ± 0.40 vs. -0.32 ± 0.59, P = 0.302, ES = 0.28). Conclusion: A short period of detraining (2 weeks of inactivity) results in a decrease in jump performance and repeat sprint ability, but it does not affect the outcome of a 30-meter sprint test. This response remains independent of the initial fitness level of the players.