Abstract
Identifying indicators of non-functional overreaching during periods of increased training volume and/or intensity is particularly relevant for understanding the detrimental impacts incurred, as well as how these factors contribute to heightened injury risks among exposed athletes. This study aimed to compare the effects of a congested training period versus a standard training period on the strength levels and landing forces of female young aerobic gymnastics athletes. A prospective cohort study design was implemented, spanning four weeks. Fifty athletes (aged 16.2 ± 1.1 years old) at a trained/developmental level, competing at the regional level, were observed throughout the study. During two of these weeks (specifically weeks 2 and 3), half of the group was subjected to a congested training period consisting of six sessions per week (HTF), while the other half continued with their regular four sessions per week (STF). During each week of observation, participants underwent evaluation using the countermovement jump test (CMJ), squat jump test (SJ), and the leg land and hold test (LHT), with measurements taken on a force platform. The main outcomes repeatedly observed over the four weeks were CMJ peak landing force, CMJ peak power, SJ peak power, SJ maximum negative displacement, LHT time to stabilization, and LHT peak drop landing force. Significant interactions (time*group) were observed in CMJ peak power (p < 0.001), CMJ peak landing force (p < 0.001), SJ peak power (p < 0.001), SJ maximum negative displacement (p < 0.001), LHT time to stabilization (p < 0.001), and LHT peak drop landing force (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results of the final assessment revealed significantly lower CMJ peak power (p = 0.008) and SJ peak power (p = 0.002) in the HTF group compared to the STF group. Additionally, significantly higher values of CMJ peak landing force (p = 0.041), SJ maximum negative displacement (p = 0.015), and LHT peak drop landing force (p = 0.047) were observed in the HTF group compared to the STF group. In conclusion, the increase in training frequency over two weeks significantly contributed to declines in neuromuscular power performance and peak landing forces. This indicates that intensified training periods may acutely expose athletes not only to performance drops but also to an increased risk of injury due to reduced capacity to absorb landing forces.