The effect of two-, four- and six- week detraining after a period of plyometric training on postural control in male students

Postural control is regarded to as a critical element in physical activities and as an important factor in performing athletic skills. Previous studies have reported controversial results about the effects of different training programs and also of detraining on the postural control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two-, four-, and six-week detraining after a period of plyometric training on postural control in male students. Twenty students (mean age 23.2 ± 3.35 yr, mean height 171.5 ± 5.44 cm, and mean weight 74.48 ± 7.75 kg) with no history of injury in past two years participated in this study. To estimate dynamic balance of the subjects, the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was applied. Once they undertook pre-test assessments and were explained on how to do exercises, the subjects executed plyometric training three days per week for six weeks. At the end of training period, first post-test SEBT was conducted. For the following six weeks there was no regular training and the other three post-test SEBTs were conducted at two-week intervals. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tokay test (p ≤ 0.05) were used for the statistical analysis of data. Study results showed that plyometric training period had a significant effect on dynamic postural control (p≤0/001). Detraining effects on reducing reaching distance in SEBT were significant only in the fourth post-test (after six weeks of detraining) (p≤0.01). Increased postural control after the training period can be associated with an increase in speed of nerve conduction, muscle strength and increased coordination between the agonist and antagonist muscles. Similarly, decreased postural control after the detraining period might be due to a decrease in muscle strength and muscle coordination.