Author(s): BELL, L., RUDDOCK, A., MADEN-WILKINSON, T., ROGERSON, D., Institution: SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1144

INTRODUCTION:
A short-term period of overtraining (OT) can lead to either enhanced performance capabilities (functional overreaching (FOR)), or performance stagnation (non-functional overreaching (NFOR)). To date, little is known about the transitory threshold where highly demanding resistance exercise training results in either FOR or NFOR. This pilot study aimed to characterise the perceptual and strength performance effects of a barbell back squat training microcycle designed to induce overtraining (OT), and therefore, enhance current understanding of the response to short-term OT.
METHODS:
Following informed consent, 8 male trained participants (mean ± SD; age = 24.6 ± 2.8 years; relative to body mass back squat one repetition maximum (1-RM) = 1.9 ± 0.4; training experience = 7.0 ± 3.2 years) participated in a resistance exercise training programme consisting of four phases: 1) baseline testing (PRE), 2) a 2-week foundation training (BASE), 3) a 5-day back squat OT microcycle (SqOT), and 4) a 2-week taper comprised of two full body resistance training sessions each week (TAPER). SqOT consisted of 5 sets of barbell back squats performed each day using 80% of daily adjusted 1-RM performed until a 40% velocity loss was achieved. Performance (isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF); countermovement jump (CMJ) PF and height) and perceptual (perceived recovery scale (PRS); Hooper Index (HI)) were recorded at PRE, before each day of SqOT and at select intervals during TAPER (POST 1 d, 2 d, 7 d and 14 d). Follow-up back squat 1-RM testing was conducted at POST7 and POST14.
RESULTS:
There was a mean percentage increase of 4.8% for 1-RM at POST7 and 5.2% at POST14, relative to PRE values. IMTP PF improved at POST7 (10.3%), relative to PRE, with improvements maintained at POST14 (10.3%). CMJ PF decreased each day of SqOT (4.2% at Day 1, 9.1% at Day 2, 10.9% at Day 3, 9.2% at Day 4 and 7.2% at Day 5) relative to PRE but had returned to PRE values by POST7. There were no changes in CMJ height either during SqOT or TAPER. There was no difference in PRS or HI scores between PRE and Day 1 of SqOT. However, there was a decrease in PRS of 27.7% at Day 2, 41.5% at Day 3, 23.1% at Day 4, 20.0% at Day 5, 18.5% at POST1, 8.6% at POST2, and 10.8% at POST7 relative to PRE. PRS did not return to PRE values until POST14. Global HI score increased by 17.4% at Day 2, 35.9% at Day 3, 15.2% at Day 4, 15.2% at Day 5 and 21.7% at POST1 relative to PRE values but had returned to baseline by POST2. HI decreased by 9.8% at POST7 and 14.1% at POST14.
CONCLUSION:
Findings from this pilot research demonstrate that a short-term period of OT may be an effective strategy to increase back squat 1-RM and IMTP PF following an acute reduction in CMJ PF and perceived recovery and wellness both during, and in the days following SqOT. Additional findings note that the duration of the post-OT taper appears to influence the magnitude of FOR and the point at which peak strength performance occurs.