should powerlifters detrain before a meet

[inked1]

One of my lecturers raised an interesting point in class the other day
Basically it goes like this.this is going from memory so some figures may be slightly out. I will try and find a link to the articles
there are three types of muscle fibres.(there are more but think of it like this)
type 1 ( slow twitch)
type 2a ( fast twitch)
type 2b ( fast twitch)

when exercising , there is an order of recruitment
first type1, then type 2a, then type 2b
we only recruit type 2b when we are working maximally

an 8 week resistance training programme was run.the subjects had a biopsy pre training, post training(8 weeks) and two weeks later after detraining.


biopsy results found that pre training type 2b fibres comprised approx 5-10%. post training type 2b fibres were non existing!
however after 2 weeks detraining 2b fibres had increased to approx 15%.

in theory if a powerlifter was to detrain correctly prior to a competition.they would hit the meet with an increase in type 2b fibres and thus be able to lift heavier

what do you guys think?

 

[hornedfrogs07]

That's a VERY interesting idea. However, why do the type 2b's disappear during training, if they are only used in maximal effort exercise? And what is the reason that a person is weaker prior to training than at the end of an 8-week program, if they have more 2b fibers present then? Wouldn't that mean that a greater number of fibers would be recruited at that time than when the 2B's aren't there?

 

[inked1]

ok, to be honest I am not real sure
all this is pretty new to me as well so I will answer it as best I can

I am not sure why the type 2b fibres disappear, it may have something to do with the way the 2a fibres adjust to being constantly put under maximal strain.


the person is weaker prior to training( even though they have the 2b fibres) because they have a smaller muscle CSA( cross sectional area) or less hypertrophy.

after the 8 week period, you have hypertophy and thus a greater CSA ( which means a greater number of muscle fibres)

there will be some muscle atrophy during the 2 week detraining, however this is negated by the increase in 2b fibres present.......therefore strength should increase

 

[pullinbig]

we do detrain to an extent in the last few weeks before a meet. reps are cut back to singles and dbls. assistance work is dropped. the lifting equipment is in place, suits shirts wraps, the works. normally 7-10 days of no lifting is in order leading up to meet day. the last 4 weeks before a meet is normally more about form and getting the equipment dialed in than strength training.

the key is to be at peak performance level and not overtrained. this can be tricky. i have seen many guys peak out 1-2 weeks to early. look like gang busters in training then fall to pieces at the meet.

you guys dont forget one of the most critical factrors too, cns recruitment.

i also dont see muscle atrophy as a prob in the last two weeks. in fact i would think the rest would allow for some gwroth.

 

[Insane_Man]

Yeah a conditioned CNS is key. If your diet is good and you take it easy a couple weeks won't cause you to lose any muscle, but your recruitment can take a dive.

 

[hornedfrogs07]

ok, to be honest I am not real sure
all this is pretty new to me as well so I will answer it as best I can

I am not sure why the type 2b fibres disappear, it may have something to do with the way the 2a fibres adjust to being constantly put under maximal strain.


the person is weaker prior to training( even though they have the 2b fibres) because they have a smaller muscle CSA( cross sectional area) or less hypertrophy.

after the 8 week period, you have hypertophy and thus a greater CSA ( which means a greater number of muscle fibres)

there will be some muscle atrophy during the 2 week detraining, however this is negated by the increase in 2b fibres present.......therefore strength should increase

Good answer. Pretty much what I was thinking as well.