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Integrating Deloading into Strength and Physique Sports Training Programmes: An International Delphi Consensus Approach

Nolan, David orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-0743-8801, Bell, Lee, Strafford, Ben William, Coleman, Max and Androulakis Korakakis, Patroklos (2023) Integrating Deloading into Strength and Physique Sports Training Programmes: An International Delphi Consensus Approach. Sports Medicine - Open, 9 (87). ISSN 2199-1170

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.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Health
Medical Sciences > Sports sciences
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Health and Human Performance
Publisher:SpringerOpen
Official URL:https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/artic...
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:30319
Deposited On:12 Sep 2024 11:59 by Vidatum Academic . Last Modified 12 Sep 2024 11:59
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