Effects of a four-week detraining period on the body composition and physical performance of young Chilean soccer players

Authors

  • Pablo Luna-Villouta Departamento Educación Física, Universidad de Concepción, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2825-0303
  • Carlos Matus-Castillo Departamento de Ciencias del Deporte y Acondicionamiento Físico. Facultad de Educación. Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8019-6442
  • César Faúndez- Casanova Facultad de Educación, Pedagogía en Educación Física, Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4501-4169
  • Claudio Hernández-Mosqueira Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, Facultad de Educación y Humanidades, Universidad del Bio-Bio, Chile
  • Carol Flores-Rivera Facultad de Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Chile. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8888-6819
  • Miguel Alarcón-Rivera Escuela de Ciencias del Deporte y Actividad Física, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile
  • Cristian Martínez Salazar Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
  • Gustavo Pavez-Adasme rupo de Investigación AFSYE, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4377-384X
  • Rodrigo Vargas-Vitoria Facultad de Educación, Pedagogía en Educación Física, Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7554-9589

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.116229

Keywords:

Adolescent Athlete, seasons, physical deconditioning, soccer

Abstract

Introduction: Soccer is a sport that has evolved significantly, becoming a game that combines technical and tactical skills with high physical demands.

Objective: To analyze the effects of a four-week vacation period on the body composition and physical performance of young Chilean soccer players

Methodology: Cross-sectional and descriptive- comparative study. The sample consisted of 48 young Chilean soccer players (16.6 ± 6 years). Body weight, height, circumference, and skinfold were measured. Muscle mass percentage, body fat percentage, and peak height velocity (APVC) were calculated. Physical performance, 10m, 20m, and 30m sprints, 505 test, horizontal jump and countermovement jump (CMJ), and the 30-15IFT intermittent endurance test were evaluated.

Results: The are significant increases in body weight, perimeters, skinfold, and body fat (p<0.01). In physical performance, there was a significant decrease in the horizontal jump, 505 test, and VO2max test (p<0.01).

Discussion: The results are consistent with previous studies that have found increases in body weight and adiposity in young soccer players, as well as reported decreases in VO2max and agility in adult soccer players.

Conclusions: After a four-week holiday period, young football players show significant increases in body weight and fat tissue, along with losses in horizontal jump, 505 test and VO2max.

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Published

08-11-2025

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Luna-Villouta, P., Matus-Castillo, C., Faúndez- Casanova, C., Hernández-Mosqueira, C., Flores-Rivera, C., Alarcón-Rivera, M., Martínez Salazar, C., Pavez-Adasme, G., & Vargas-Vitoria, R. (2025). Effects of a four-week detraining period on the body composition and physical performance of young Chilean soccer players. Retos, 74, 308-318. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.116229