One-year cessation following resistance training differently affects neuromuscular, body composition, and functional capacity in older adults

Abstract

Cessation of resistance training could result in loss of the gains acquired. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to verify the effect of 1-year of detraining following resistance training on body composition, functional capacity, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, and countermovement jump performance (CMJ) in older adults. Fifteen participants (4 women and 11 men; 65.5 ± 4.3 years) completed all the procedures over the experimental period. The participants were followed up during a 9-week resistance training program and after 1-year detraining. Measurements included body composition, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, stair ascent and descent, timed up-and-go, and CMJ. The resistance training resulted in improvements in skeletal muscle mass, stair ascent and descent, handgrip strength, localized muscular endurance, and CMJ variables. After the detraining period, significant reductions were observed in skeletal muscle mass (Δ = − 0.92 ± 0.58 kg) and CMJ height, velocity, and impulse (Δ = − 3.03 ± 1.83 cm, − 0.063 ± 0.042 m/s, − 6.34 ± 8.49 N·s, respectively) compared to the post-training period, returning to the baseline values. Conversely, stair ascent and descent, handgrip strength, and localized muscular endurance did not differ after the detraining period (p > 0.05). Retention of functional capacity, localized muscular endurance, and handgrip strength improvements were observed. However, skeletal muscle mass and CMJ variables decreased after the detraining period.