Does the 'rest' training schedule actually work?

I've got a few wingers with poor natural fitness and with my hectic schedule they're struggling to come up for the matches in good condition. I decided to give them a 3 day rest from training but it doesn't seem to have any effect. I tested this as I saved the game beforehand and their condition on match day is the same regardless of whether they had a rest or trained as normal.

Looks like you've answered your own question.

I have never used the 'rest' function, I just use squad rotation to keep those players fresh.

Maybe you should also rest them for a couple of matches here and there as well to have more of an effect overall

I never use the rest function but usually have players in the high 90's for fitness

I am used to use such option for 1 day only quite often but I am always under your same impression, it seems to me a fake function.

Best way to rest players is to turn them over

In my save Rio Ferdinand is 37 and just signed a 5 year contract and he seems to be getting better with age (well his ratings say so) but the only downside is that he can play 1 game per week so i would say rest him for the rest of the week and only play them when fitness is around 95% (well thats what i do) and i have good success and hardly any injuries.

I always use the rest for 1 day option after a match if i have 2 games in one week and i does make a difference cus i'm seeing less injures druring a match.