Período de transição no futebol: práticas mais frequentes e seus impactos no desempenho e na composição corporal dos atletas

Abstract

This study aims to systematically review the most frequent practices in the transition period of soccer athletes, as well as to show an overview of their impact with different types of intervention on body composition and physical and sporting performance. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, independent researchers examined studies published between 2016-2023, in PubMed and Medline, in December 2023. The eligibility criteria for the studies were original researches, with soccer athletes, of various levels of competitiveness, exposed to detraining in the transition period, which reported measures of external load or described the transition, which evaluated physical and sporting performance, and with text in English. The main outcomes show that there is no standard in intervention methods. Some studies used a combination of cessation and the application of training programs, others applied training alone or cessation during the transition period. The length of the period and the methods of detraining vary according to the competitive calendar and the characteristics of the athletes. Regarding the impact of detraining on cardiorespiratory capacity, the results varied. In terms of performance, the most commonly used tests were: sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (IR Yo-Yo). The results of the sprint tests showed no or little positive impact of detraining on performance. The IR Yo-Yo test showed maintenance, improvement or worsening of performance. Body composition is negatively influenced by reducing or ceasing training. Therefore, studies generally evaluate body composition, sprint performance and IR Yo-Yo. Physical and sporting performance parameters do not present a direct relationship between the cessation and/or reduction of training stimuli and the worsening of data collected in specific tests. This study can help professionals to have an overview of transition strategies in soccer and their respective impacts, achieving greater assertiveness in their periodization.