Integrating deloading into strength and physique sports training programmes: an international Delphi consensus approach

BELL, Lee, STRAFFORD, Ben, COLEMAN, Max, KORAKAKIS, Patroklos Androulakis and NOLAN, David (2023). Integrating deloading into strength and physique sports training programmes: an international Delphi consensus approach. Sports Medicine - Open, 9: 87.

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Abstract

Background Deloading is a ubiquitous yet under-researched strategy within strength and physique training. How deloading should be integrated into the training programme to elicit optimal training outcomes is unknown. To aid its potential integration, this study established consensus around design principles for integrating deloading in strength and physique training programmes using expert opinion and practical experience. Methods Expert strength and physique coaches were invited to an online Delphi consisting of 3 rounds. Thirty-four coaches completed the first round, 29 completed the second round, and 21 completed the third round of a Delphi questionnaire. In the first round, coaches answered 15 open-ended questions from four categories: 1: General Perceptions of Deloading; 2: Potential Applications of Deloading; 3: Designing and Implementing Deloading; and 4: Creating an Inclusive Deloading Training Environment. First-round responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, resulting in 138 statements organized into four domains. In the second and third rounds, coaches rated each statement using a four-point Likert scale, and collective agreement or disagreement was calculated. Results Stability of consensus was achieved across specific aspects of the four categories. Findings from the final round were used to develop the design principles, which reflect the consensus achieved. Conclusions This study develops consensus on design principles for integrating deloading into strength and physique sports training programmes. A consensus definition is proposed: “Deloading is a period of reduced training stress designed to mitigate physiological and psychological fatigue, promote recovery, and enhance preparedness for subsequent training.” These findings contribute novel knowledge that might advance the current understanding of deloading in strength and physique sports.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 3202 Clinical sciences; 4207 Sports science and exercise
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-023-00633-0
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	21 Sep 2023 13:41
Last Modified:	20 Nov 2023 10:45
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/32417

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