Effects of a 4-Week Respiratory Muscle Training Proposal for Semi-Professional Athletes

Futsal is considered an intermittent sport, where the player needs to make high intensity efforts (neuromuscular and anaerobic component) and optimize recovery processes (aerobic component). If training can optimize these abilities, it is unknown how detraining can affect them. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the effects of a short period of detraining on the performance of futsal players. Thirteen futsal players (youth [n=7] and senior [n=6]) performed a 2- week pre- and post-detraining session, a CMJ, a 30-meter sprint, a 30-15 IFT, and an RSA, and together with the determination of the Total Score of Athelticism (TSA). Only the CMJ showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05; ES = 0.80 large) in both teams after detraining. Additionally, the senior team showed a significant reduction in the 30-meter sprint (p < 0.05; ES = 1.38 large). No changes in TSA were obtained after detraining. The effects of a 2-week detraining period are dependent on the tested capacity, showing a significant decrease in CMJ and maximum speed, with no changes in intermittent endurance, VO2max or TSA.