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Wang Z, Wang YT, Gao W, Zhong Y. Effects of tapering on performance in endurance athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282838. [PMID: 37163550 PMCID: PMC10171681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the responses to taper in endurance athletes using meta-analysis. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and EMBASE databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of outcome measures were calculated as effect sizes. RESULTS 14 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Significant improvements were found between pre- and post-tapering in time-trial (TT) performance (SMD = -0.45; P < 0.05) and time to exhaustion (TTE) performance (SMD = 1.28; P < 0.05). However, There were no improvements in maximal oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) and economy of movement (EM) (P > 0.05) between pre- and post-tapering. Further subgroup analysis showed that tapering combined with pre-taper overload training had a more significant effect on TT performance than conventional tapering (P < 0.05). A tapering strategy that reduced training volume by 41-60%, maintained training intensity and frequency, lasted ≤7 days, 8-14 days, or 15-21 days, used a progressive or step taper could significantly improve TT performance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The tapering applied in conjunction with pre-taper overload training seems to be more conducive to maximize performance gains. Current evidence suggests that a ≤21-day taper, in which training volume is progressively reduced by 41-60% without changing training intensity or frequency, is an effective tapering strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Sports Big-data Research Center, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, HuBei, China
- Hubei Sports and Health Research Center, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Yong Tai Wang
- Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, New York, Rochester, United States of America
| | - Weifeng Gao
- Sports Big-data Research Center, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, HuBei, China
| | - Yaping Zhong
- Sports Big-data Research Center, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, HuBei, China
- Hubei Sports and Health Research Center, Wuhan, HuBei, China
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Smyth B, Lawlor A. Longer Disciplined Tapers Improve Marathon Performance for Recreational Runners. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:735220. [PMID: 34651125 PMCID: PMC8506252 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.735220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For marathoners the taper refers to a period of reduced training load in the weeks before race-day. It helps runners to recover from the stresses of weeks of high-volume, high-intensity training to enhance race-day performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the taper strategies of recreational runners to determine whether particular forms of taper were more or less favorable to race-day performance. Methods: We analyzed the training activities of more than 158,000 recreational marathon runners to define tapers based on a decrease in training volume (weekly distance). We identified different types of taper based on a combination of duration (1–4 weeks of decreasing training) and discipline (strict tapers progressively decrease training in the weeks before the marathon, relaxed tapers do not) and we grouped runners based on their taper type to determine the popularity of different types of taper and their associated performance characteristics. Results: Kruskal-Wallis tests (H(7)≥ 521.11, p < 0.001), followed by posthoc Dunns tests with a Bonferroni correction, confirmed that strict tapers were associated with better marathon performance than relaxed tapers (p < 0.001) and that longer tapers of up to 3 weeks were associated with better performance than shorter tapers (p < 0.001). Results indicated that strict 3-week tapers were associated with superior marathon finish-time benefits (a median finish-time saving of 5 min 32.4 s or 2.6%) compared with a minimal taper (p < 0.001). We further found that female runners were associated with greater finish-time benefits than men, for a given taper type ( ≤ 3-weeks in duration), based on Mann Whitney U tests of significance with p < 0.001. Conclusion: The findings of this study for recreational runners are consistent with related studies on highly-trained athletes, where disciplined tapers were associated with comparable performance benefits. The findings also highlight how most recreational runners (64%) adopt less disciplined (2-week and 3-week) tapers and suggest that shifting to a more disciplined taper strategy could improve performance relative to the benefits of a less disciplined taper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Smyth
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aonghus Lawlor
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Krumm B, Faiss R. Factors Confounding the Athlete Biological Passport: A Systematic Narrative Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2021; 7:65. [PMID: 34524567 PMCID: PMC8443715 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through longitudinal, individual and adaptive monitoring of blood biomarkers, the haematological module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) has become a valuable tool in anti-doping efforts. The composition of blood as a vector of oxygen in the human body varies in athletes with the influence of multiple intrinsic (genetic) or extrinsic (training or environmental conditions) factors. In this context, it is fundamental to establish a comprehensive understanding of the various causes that may affect blood variables and thereby alter a fair interpretation of ABP profiles. METHODS This literature review described the potential factors confounding the ABP to outline influencing factors altering haematological profiles acutely or chronically. RESULTS Our investigation confirmed that natural variations in ABP variables appear relatively small, likely-at least in part-because of strong human homeostasis. Furthermore, the significant effects on haematological variations of environmental conditions (e.g. exposure to heat or hypoxia) remain debatable. The current ABP paradigm seems rather robust in view of the existing literature that aims to delineate adaptive individual limits. Nevertheless, its objective sensitivity may be further improved. CONCLUSIONS This narrative review contributes to disentangling the numerous confounding factors of the ABP to gather the available scientific evidence and help interpret individual athlete profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Krumm
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Faiss
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Center of Research and Expertise in Anti-Doping Sciences - REDs, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Crossing the Golden Training Divide: The Science and Practice of Training World-Class 800- and 1500-m Runners. Sports Med 2021; 51:1835-1854. [PMID: 34021488 PMCID: PMC8363530 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increasing amount of research devoted to middle-distance training (herein the 800 and 1500 m events), information regarding the training methodologies of world-class runners is limited. Therefore, the objective of this review was to integrate scientific and best practice literature and outline a novel framework for understanding the training and development of elite middle-distance performance. Herein, we describe how well-known training principles and fundamental training characteristics are applied by world-leading middle-distance coaches and athletes to meet the physiological and neuromuscular demands of 800 and 1500 m. Large diversities in physiological profiles and training emerge among middle-distance runners, justifying a categorization into types across a continuum (400–800 m types, 800 m specialists, 800–1500 m types, 1500 m specialists and 1500–5000 m types). Larger running volumes (120–170 vs. 50–120 km·week−1 during the preparation period) and higher aerobic/anaerobic training distribution (90/10 vs. 60/40% of the annual running sessions below vs. at or above anaerobic threshold) distinguish 1500- and 800-m runners. Lactate tolerance and lactate production training are regularly included interval sessions by middle-distance runners, particularly among 800-m athletes. In addition, 800-m runners perform more strength, power and plyometric training than 1500-m runners. Although the literature is biased towards men and “long-distance thinking,” this review provides a point of departure for scientists and practitioners to further explore and quantify the training and development of elite 800- and 1500-m running performance and serves as a position statement for outlining current state-of-the-art middle-distance training recommendations.
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Matos S, Clemente FM, Silva R, Pereira J, Cancela Carral JM. Performance and Training Load Profiles in Recreational Male Trail Runners: Analyzing Their Interactions during Competitions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238902. [PMID: 33266272 PMCID: PMC7730662 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Endurance sports like trail running constitute an extensive individual modality causing numerous physiological changes to occur in the athlete. In this sense, an adequate monitoring of training load appears to be essential to improve competition performance. The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to analyze trail runners’ weekly load variations in the four weeks leading up to a trail running competition, and (ii) to determine the relationship between the runners’ pacing in competitions and their physical fitness and workload parameters. Twenty-five amateur male trail runners (age: 36.23 ± 8.30 years old; minimum International Trail Running Association performance index: 600) were monitored daily for the duration of a season (52 weeks). External load (distance covered, pace) and internal load (rate of perceived exertion) were measured daily. Additionally, weekly workload measures of acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), training monotony, and training strain were calculated. The runners were also assessed for maximal aerobic speed (MAS) every four months. No significant differences in workload measures (p > 0.05) were observed in the four weeks leading up to each short trail competition; however, leading up to the long trail, ultra-trail medium, and ultra-trail long/extra-long competitions, the differences in the runners’ workload measures were significant (p < 0.05). In the short trail, pace was found to be moderately correlated with the ACWR of total distance (r = −0.334) and with training monotony of rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (r = −0.303). In the ultra-trail, a large correlation was observed between pace and elevation accumulated (r = 0.677). We concluded that significant workload differences from one week to the next only occurred in preparation for longer-distance competitions, with sudden acute load decreases and very low ACWR values reported mainly in weeks 1 and 2 of the taper. Meaningful relationships were found between performance (pace) and MAS for longer trails and between pace and MAS for ultra-trail competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Matos
- Faculty of Educational Sciences and Sports Sciences, University of Vigo, 36005 Pontevedra, Spain;
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.S.); (J.P.)
- Douro Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, 4560-708 Penafiel, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.S.); (J.P.)
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (S.M.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Rui Silva
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.S.); (J.P.)
| | - Joel Pereira
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal; (R.S.); (J.P.)
- Unidade de Investigação e Treino em Trabalhos em Alturas e Atividades de Ar Livre, 4960-320 Melgaço, Portugal
- The Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Krespi M, Sporiš G, Trajković N. Effects of Two Different Tapering Protocols on Fitness and Physical Match Performance in Elite Junior Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34:1731-1740. [PMID: 30239456 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Krespi, M, Sporiš, G, and Trajković, N. Effects of two different tapering protocols on fitness and physical match performance in elite junior soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1731-1740, 2020-The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different tapering protocols on fitness and physical match performance in elite junior soccer players. One-hundred fifty-eight elite junior soccer players (mean age: 17.1 ± 0.79 years; mean height: 177.9 ± 6.64 cm; mean body mass: 71.3 ± 7.96 kg; and mean body mass index: 22.5 ± 1.66 kg·m) were randomly assigned to 2 groups: an exponential (n = 79) and a linear tapering (n = 79) group. Training sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 8 weeks. After 4 weeks of training and 4 weeks of tapering, participants were assessed in terms of body composition, physical fitness, and distance covered within a match. Both groups showed similar changes for body composition. The exponential group showed better improvement than the linear group in the 5- and 30-m sprints, countermovement jump, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p < 0.05). The exponential tapering group had larger changes (p < 0.05) than the linear group in medium running (8-13 km·h) (6%; effect size = 0.26 compared with 5.5%; effect size = 0.22) and sprinting (>18 km·h) (26%; effect size = 0.72 compared to 21.7%; effect size = 0.60). The results show that exponential tapering produced better effects on speed, power, and endurance abilities than the linear protocol. Our results confirmed the reports of others that suggest that volume is the optimal variable to manipulate while maintaining both the intensity and the frequency of sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Krespi
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Goran Sporiš
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; and
| | - Nebojša Trajković
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Richardson H, Collins R, Williams J. Sport science relevance and integration in horseracing: perceptions of UK racehorse trainers. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3920/cep190003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Whilst equestrian sport science research has expanded over recent years, and technologies to positively impact training and performance have been developed, long-standing traditions and experiential learning in the racing industry still appear to impede the integration of sport science knowledge. This study used semi-structured interviews to investigate the perceptions of eleven national hunt and flat-based racehorse trainers to determine the current status of sport science integration within the racing industry, the perceived barriers to its uptake, and areas where trainers sought further knowledge. Three key higher order themes emerged from the interviews: the current training and monitoring principles for health and fitness of racehorses, trainers’ attitudes toward sport science research, and areas for potential future research and integration of sports science in training. Subjective methods grounded in personal experience were found to form the basis of racehorse training principles, with the application of sport science minimal, namely due to poor integration strategies. Negative connotations arising from a general lack of understanding of the application of knowledge and a scepticism toward adapting already successful principles, as well as pressure from industry stakeholders, appear to create barriers to sport science uptake. Trainers felt a stronger evidence base emphasising performance benefits is needed to overcome these. Where trainers identified areas of research potential, many studies had already been undertaken, highlighting the necessity for effective dissemination strategies to demonstrate how research could apply to industry practice. Increased educational initiatives to showcase technology and improve trainer understanding and application of currently available sport science knowledge is also warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Richardson
- Hartpury University, Hartpury House, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - R. Collins
- Hartpury University, Hartpury House, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Hartpury University, Hartpury House, GL19 3BE Gloucester, United Kingdom
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Costa P, Simão R, Perez A, Gama M, Lanchtermacher R, Musialowski R, Braga F, de Mello Coelho V, Palma A. A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Undulatory, Staggered, and Linear Load Manipulations in Aerobic Training on Oxygen Supply, Muscle Injury, and Metabolism in Male Recreational Runners. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2019; 5:32. [PMID: 31332593 PMCID: PMC6646634 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0200-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Taper is considered as a strategy to avoid overtraining and increase peak performance in athletes. Because aerobic exercise increases the level and duration of independence during the lifespan, the participation of recreational athletes has increased in running events around the world. However, the effects of using load reduction in their training and aerobic performance are still not well known. Objectives Our goal was to compare load manipulations, using tapering-like periods in the end of recreational athletes training evaluating alterations in oxygen supply, muscle injury, and metabolism markers. Methods Healthy males (n = 88, 20–35 years old) were randomly distributed in groups using a combination of two mesocycles of 4 weeks, undulatory and staggered, with two daily microcycles, undulatory and linear. Undulatory-undulatory (Und-Und) and undulatory-linear (Und-Lin) groups had load reduction in the final week of training while the staggered-undulatory (Sta-Und) and staggered-linear (Sta-Lin) groups did not. Cardiorespiratory capacity (V̇O2max), body mass index (BMI), and body fat % were evaluated. Blood samples were also collected to analyze hematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC), circulating levels of hemoglobin (Hb), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea (U), cortisol (C), free testosterone (FT), and free T/C ratio. Results After 8 weeks of training, Und-Und had the highest trend to increase V̇O2max. Both Und-Und and Sta-Lin reduced body fat %. Und-Und showed a significant increase in MCHC, T and Free T/C ratio, a positive trend to increase Ht% and Hb levels, and a trend to decrease CK, LDH, and C circulating levels. Sta-Lin presented a trend to decrease Ht% and Hb levels, a significant increase in CK, LDH, AST, ALT circulating levels, and a decrease in Free T/C ratio. Conclusion The use of daily undulatory training load provides better gains for aerobic fitness while the use of staggered load, mainly associated with linear load, promotes inadequate recovery in recreational runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Costa
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil. .,Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Roberto Simão
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil
| | - Anselmo Perez
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Maurício Gama
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil
| | - Rogério Lanchtermacher
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo Musialowski
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil
| | - Fábio Braga
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil
| | - Valeria de Mello Coelho
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Palma
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Rio de Janeiro Federal University, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 540 - Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21940-901, Brazil.
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Winwood PW, Dudson MK, Wilson D, Mclaren-Harrison JKH, Redjkins V, Pritchard HJ, Keogh JWL. Tapering Practices of Strongman Athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32:1181-1196. [PMID: 29373426 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000002453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Winwood, PW, Dudson, MK, Wilson, D, Mclaren-Harrison, JKH, Redjkins, V, Pritchard, HJ, and Keogh, JWL. Tapering practices of strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1181-1196, 2018-This study provides the first empirical evidence of how strongman athletes taper for strongman competitions. Strongman athletes (n = 454) (mean ± SD: 33.2 ± 8.0 years, 178.1 ± 10.6 cm, 108.6 ± 27.9 kg, 12.6 ± 8.9 years general resistance training, 5.3 ± 5.0 years strongman implement training) completed a self-reported 4-page internet survey on tapering practices. Analysis by sex (male and female), age (≤30 and >30 years), body mass (≤105 and >105 kg), and competitive standard (local/regional amateur, national amateur and professional) was conducted. Eighty-seven percent (n = 396) of strongman athletes reported that they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.6 ± 5.0 days, with the step taper the most commonly performed taper (52%). Training volume decreased during the taper by 45.5 ± 12.9%, and all training ceased 3.9 ± 1.8 days out from competition. Typically, athletes reported that training frequency and training duration stayed the same or decreased and training intensity decreased to around 50% in the last week. Athletes generally stated that tapering was performed to achieve recovery, rest, and peak performance; the deadlift, yoke walk, and stone lifts/work took longer to recover from than other lifts; assistance exercises were reduced or removed in the taper; massage, foam rolling, nutritional changes, and static stretching were strategies used in the taper; and, poor tapering occurred when athletes trained too heavy/hard or had too short a taper. These data will assist strongman athletes and coaches in the optimization of tapering variables leading to more peak performances. Future research could investigate the priming and preactivation strategies strongman athletes use on competition day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Winwood
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Community Health and Wellness, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Mike K Dudson
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Community Health and Wellness, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Wilson
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Community Health and Wellness, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Justice K H Mclaren-Harrison
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Community Health and Wellness, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Vladislav Redjkins
- Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport Industry, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia.,World Strongman Federation, Belorussian Information Center, Riga, Latvia
| | - Hayden J Pritchard
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health & Science, University College of Learning, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Justin W L Keogh
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Sport Performance Research in New Zealand (SPRINZ), AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.,Cluster for Health Improvement, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Skovgaard C, Almquist NW, Kvorning T, Christensen PM, Bangsbo J. Effect of tapering after a period of high-volume sprint interval training on running performance and muscular adaptations in moderately trained runners. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 124:259-267. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00472.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of tapering following a period of high-volume sprint interval training (SIT) and a basic volume of aerobic training on performance and muscle adaptations in moderately trained runners was examined. Eleven (8 men, 3 women) runners [maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o2max): 56.8 ± 2.9 ml·min−1·kg−1; mean ± SD] conducted high-volume SIT (HV; 20 SIT sessions; 8–12 × 30 s all-out) for 40 days followed by 18 days of tapering (TAP; 4 SIT sessions; 4 × 30 s all-out). Before and after HV as well as midway through and at the end of TAP, the subjects completed a 10-km running test and a repeated running test at 90% of vV̇o2max to exhaustion (RRT). In addition, a biopsy from the vastus lateralis muscle was obtained at rest. Performance during RRT was better ( P < 0.01) at the end of TAP than before HV (6.8 ± 0.5 vs. 5.6 ± 0.5 min; means ± SE), and 10-km performance was 2.7% better ( P < 0.05) midway through (40.7 ± 0.7 min) and at the end of (40.7 ± 0.6 min) TAP than after HV (41.8 ± 0.9 min). The expression of muscle Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA)α1, NKAβ1, phospholemman (FXYD1), and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA1) increased ( P < 0.05) during HV and remained higher during TAP. In addition, oxygen uptake at 60% of vV̇o2max was lower ( P < 0.05) at the end of TAP than before and after HV. Thus short-duration exercise capacity and running economy were better than before the HV period together with higher expression of muscle proteins related to Na+/K+ transport and Ca2+ reuptake, while 10-km performance was not significantly improved by the combination of HV and tapering. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Short-duration performance became better after 18 days of tapering from ~6 wk of high-volume sprint interval training (SIT), whereas 10-km performance was not significantly affected by the combination of high-volume SIT and tapering. Higher expression of muscle NKAα1, NKAβ1, FXYD1, and SERCA1 may reflect faster Na+/K+ transport and Ca2+ reuptake that could explain the better short-duration performance. These results suggest that the type of competition should determine the duration of tapering to optimize performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Skovgaard
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Team Danmark (Danish Elite Sports Organization), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicki Winfield Almquist
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thue Kvorning
- Team Danmark (Danish Elite Sports Organization), Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Møller Christensen
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Team Danmark (Danish Elite Sports Organization), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bangsbo
- Section of Integrative Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Winwood PW, Pritchard HJ, Keogh JW. Tapering Practices of Strongman Athletes: Test-Retest Reliability Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2017; 6:e211. [PMID: 29089292 PMCID: PMC5686420 DOI: 10.2196/resprot.8522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is currently known about the tapering practices of strongman athletes. We have developed an Internet-based comprehensive self-report questionnaire examining the training and tapering practices of strongman athletes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to document the test-retest reliability of questions associated with the Internet-based comprehensive self-report questionnaire on the tapering practices of strongman athletes. The information will provide insight on the reliability and usefulness of the online questionnaire for use with strongman athletes. METHODS Invitations to complete an Internet questionnaire were sent via Facebook Messenger to identified strongman athletes. The survey consisted of four main areas of inquiry, including demographics and background information, training practices, tapering, and tapering practices. Of the 454 athletes that completed the survey over the 8-week period, 130 athletes responded on Facebook Messenger indicating that they intended to complete, or had completed, the survey. These participants were asked if they could complete the online questionnaire a second time for a test-retest reliability analysis. Sixty-four athletes (mean age 33.3 years, standard deviation [SD] 7.7; mean height 178.2 cm, SD 11.0; mean body mass 103.7 kg, SD 24.8) accepted this invitation and completed the survey for the second time after a minimum 7-day period from the date of their first completion. Agreement between athlete responses was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics. Confidence intervals (at 95%) were reported for all measures and significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS Test-retest reliability for demographic and training practices items were significant (P<.001) and showed excellent (ICC range=.84 to .98) and fair to almost perfect agreement (κ range=.37-.85). Moderate to excellent agreements (ICC range=.56-.84; P<.01) were observed for all tapering practice measures except for the number of days athletes started their usual taper before a strongman competition (ICC=.30). When the number of days were categorized with additional analyses, moderate reliability was observed (κ=.43; P<.001). Fair to substantial agreement was observed for the majority of tapering practices measures (κrange=.38-.73; P<.001) except for how training frequency (κ=.26) and the percentage and type of resistance training performed, which changed in the taper (κ=.20). Good to excellent agreement (ICC=.62-.93; P<.05) was observed for items relating to strongman events and traditional exercises performed during the taper. Only the time at which the Farmer's Walk was last performed before competition showed poor reliability (ICC=.27). CONCLUSIONS We have developed a low cost, self-reported, online retrospective questionnaire, which provided stable and reliable answers for most of the demographic, training, and tapering practice questions. The results of this study support the inferences drawn from the Tapering Practices of Strongman Athletes Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Winwood
- Department of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Community Wellbeing and Development, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga, New Zealand
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hayden J Pritchard
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
- Faculty of Health & Sciences, Department of Exercise & Wellness, Universal College of Learning, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Justin Wl Keogh
- Sport Performance Research in New Zealand AUT Millennium Institute, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Cluster for Health Improvement, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Vaamonde D, Algar-Santacruz C, Abbasi A, García-Manso JM. Sperm DNA fragmentation as a result of ultra-endurance exercise training in male athletes. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Vaamonde
- Morphological Sciences Department; School of Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
- International Network on Physical Exercise and Fertility (INPEF); Cordoba Spain
| | - C. Algar-Santacruz
- Morphological Sciences Department; School of Medicine; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
- Nutrir. Nutrición Médica y Ejercicio; Cordoba Spain
| | - A. Abbasi
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND Institute) University of California; Irvine
| | - J. M. García-Manso
- International Network on Physical Exercise and Fertility (INPEF); Cordoba Spain
- Physical Education Department; School of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences; University of Las Palmas de Gran Canarias; Las Palmas Spain
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13
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Spilsbury KL, Fudge BW, Ingham SA, Faulkner SH, Nimmo MA. Tapering strategies in elite British endurance runners. Eur J Sport Sci 2014; 15:367-73. [PMID: 25189116 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2014.955128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore pre-competition training practices of elite endurance runners. Training details from elite British middle distance (MD; 800 m and 1500 m), long distance (LD; 3000 m steeplechase to 10,000 m) and marathon (MAR) runners were collected by survey for 7 days in a regular training (RT) phase and throughout a pre-competition taper. Taper duration was [median (interquartile range)] 6 (3) days in MD, 6 (1) days in LD and 14 (8) days in MAR runners. Continuous running volume was reduced to 70 (16)%, 71 (24)% and 53 (12)% of regular levels in MD, LD and MAR runners, respectively (P < 0.05). Interval running volume was reduced compared to regular training (MD; 53 (45)%, LD; 67 (23)%, MAR; 64 (34)%, P < 0.05). During tapering, the peak interval training intensity was above race speed in LD and MAR runners (112 (27)% and 114 (3)%, respectively, P < 0.05), but not different in MD (100 (2)%). Higher weekly continuous running volume and frequency in RT were associated with greater corresponding reductions during the taper (R = -0.70 and R = -0.63, respectively, both P < 0.05). Running intensity during RT was positively associated with taper running intensity (continuous intensity; R = 0.97 and interval intensity; R = 0.81, both P < 0.05). Algorithms were generated to predict and potentially prescribe taper content based on the RT of elite runners. In conclusion, training undertaken prior to the taper in elite endurance runners is predictive of the tapering strategy implemented before competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Spilsbury
- a School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences , Loughborough University , Loughborough , UK
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14
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Tønnessen E, Sylta Ø, Haugen TA, Hem E, Svendsen IS, Seiler S. The road to gold: training and peaking characteristics in the year prior to a gold medal endurance performance. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101796. [PMID: 25019608 PMCID: PMC4096917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe training variations across the annual cycle in Olympic and World Champion endurance athletes, and determine whether these athletes used tapering strategies in line with recommendations in the literature. Methods Eleven elite XC skiers and biathletes (4 male; 28±1 yr, 85±5 mL. min−1. kg−1, 7 female, 25±4 yr, 73±3 mL. min−1. kg−1) reported one year of day-to-day training leading up to the most successful competition of their career. Training data were divided into periodization and peaking phases and distributed into training forms, intensity zones and endurance activity forms. Results Athletes trained ∼800 h/500 sessions.year−1, including ∼500 h. year−1 of sport-specific training. Ninety-four percent of all training was executed as aerobic endurance training. Of this, ∼90% was low intensity training (LIT, below the first lactate threshold) and 10% high intensity training (HIT, above the first lactate threshold) by time. Categorically, 23% of training sessions were characterized as HIT with primary portions executed at or above the first lactate turn point. Training volume and specificity distribution conformed to a traditional periodization model, but absolute volume of HIT remained stable across phases. However, HIT training patterns tended to become more polarized in the competition phase. Training volume, frequency and intensity remained unchanged from pre-peaking to peaking period, but there was a 32±15% (P<.01) volume reduction from the preparation period to peaking phase. Conclusions The annual training data for these Olympic and World champion XC skiers and biathletes conforms to previously reported training patterns of elite endurance athletes. During the competition phase, training became more sport-specific, with 92% performed as XC skiing. However, they did not follow suggested tapering practice derived from short-term experimental studies. Only three out of 11 athletes took a rest day during the final 5 days prior to their most successful competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Øystein Sylta
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | | | - Erlend Hem
- The Norwegian Olympic Federation, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida S. Svendsen
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Seiler
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
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15
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Blood lactate concentration after exposure to conducted energy weapons (including TASER® devices): is it clinically relevant? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 9:386-94. [PMID: 23605975 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9436-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In previous studies, blood lactate concentration (BLac) consistently increased in anesthetized animals and in human subjects after exposures to TASER(®) conducted energy weapons (CEWs). Some have suggested the increased BLac would have detrimental consequences. In the current review, the following are evaluated: (a) the nature of muscle contractions due to CEWs, (b) general aspects of increased BLac, (c) previous studies of conventional neuromuscular electrical stimulation and CEW exposures, and (d) BLac in disease states. On the basis of these analyses, one can conclude that BLac, per se (independent of acidemia), would not be clinically relevant immediately after short-duration CEW applications, due to the short time course of any increase.
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16
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Farzad B, Gharakhanlou R, Agha-Alinejad H, Curby DG, Bayati M, Bahraminejad M, Mäestu J. Physiological and performance changes from the addition of a sprint interval program to wrestling training. J Strength Cond Res 2012; 25:2392-9. [PMID: 21849912 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181fb4a33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing the level of physical fitness for competition is the primary goal of any conditioning program for wrestlers. Wrestlers often need to peak for competitions several times over an annual training cycle. Additionally, the scheduling of these competitions does not always match an ideal periodization plan and may require a modified training program to achieve a high level of competitive fitness in a short-time frame. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of sprint-interval training (SIT) program, on selected aerobic and anaerobic performance indices, and hormonal and hematological adaptations, when added to the traditional Iranian training of wrestlers in their preseason phase. Fifteen trained wrestlers were assigned to either an experimental (EXP) or a control (CON) group. Both groups followed a traditional preparation phase consisting of learning and drilling technique, live wrestling and weight training for 4 weeks. In addition, the EXP group performed a running-based SIT protocol. The SIT consisted of 6 35-m sprints at maximum effort with a 10-second recovery between each sprint. The SIT protocol was performed in 2 sessions per week, for the 4 weeks of the study. Before and after the 4-week training program, pre and posttesting was performed on each subject on the following: a graded exercise test (GXT) to determine VO(2)max, the velocity associated with V(2)max (νVO(2)max), maximal ventilation, and peak oxygen pulse; a time to exhaustion test (T(max)) at their νVO(2)max; and 4 successive Wingate tests with a 4-minute recovery between each trial for the determination of peak and mean power output (PPO, MPO). Resting blood samples were also collected at the beginning of each pre and posttesting period, before and after the 4-week training program. The EXP group showed significant improvements in VO(2)max (+5.4%), peak oxygen pulse (+7.7%) and T(max) (+32.2%) compared with pretesting. The EXP group produced significant increases in PPO and MPO during the Wingate testing compared with pretesting (p < 0.05). After the 4-week training program, total testosterone and the total testosterone/cortisol ratio increased significantly in the EXP group, whereas cortisol tended to decrease (p = 0.06). The current findings indicate that the addition of an SIT program with short recovery can improve both aerobic and anaerobic performances in trained wrestlers during the preseason phase. The hormonal changes seen suggest training-induced anabolic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Farzad
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanity Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Boffi FM, Lindner A, Lopez RA, Botta V, Sadaba S, Muriel M. Effect of Recovery Periods during Conditioning of Horses on Fitness Parameters. J Equine Vet Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Ely ER, Price JS, Smith RK, Wood JLN, Verheyen KLP. The effect of exercise regimens on racing performance in National Hunt racehorses. Equine Vet J 2011:624-9. [PMID: 21059071 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY A previous study has identified exercise undertaken during training to be associated with racing performance in flat racehorses. However, no such studies have been conducted in National Hunt (NH) horses. AIM To determine whether exercise undertaken during training is associated with racing performance in NH racehorses. METHODS Data were collected as part of a larger study investigating injury occurrence in NH racehorses. Race records and daily exercise data were obtained from NH racehorses at 14 training yards. Canter, gallop and race distances accumulated in the 30 days preceding a 'case race' were calculated. Associations between exercise-, horse- and race-level variables and the odds of winning, winning prize money, being pulled up and falling were identified using mixed effects logistic regression. RESULTS Data from 4444 races run by 858 horses were included in analyses. Horses accumulating longer canter distances in the preceding 30 days were more likely to win or win prize money and less likely to be pulled-up. Horses accumulating longer race distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win, whilst those accumulating longer gallop distances in a 30 day period were more likely to win prize money. Horses that had jump-schooled in the preceding 30 days were more likely to fall during the race than those that had not. Trainer and horse were associated with racing performance after adjusting for exercise. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study suggest that NH race performance may be improved through modification of exercise regimens. After controlling for the abilities of individual trainers and horses and conditions of the case race, horses accumulating longer exercise distances in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to be successful. However, horses that had jump-schooled in the 30 days preceding a race were more likely to fall.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Ely
- Royal Veterinary College, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Hatfield, UK.
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19
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Zehsaz F, Azarbaijani MA, Farhangimaleki N, Tiidus P. Effect of tapering period on plasma hormone concentrations, mood state, and performance of elite male cyclists. Eur J Sport Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2010.499976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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20
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Vetter RE, Symonds ML. Correlations between injury, training intensity, and physical and mental exhaustion among college athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2010; 24:587-96. [PMID: 20145559 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0b013e3181c7c2eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The primary purpose of this research was to obtain information concerning injury incidence and perceptions of training intensities and fatigue levels among college athletes via a survey study. A second purpose was to illuminate correlations between the collected data. This study employed an investigator-designed survey instrument administered to 411 NCAA Division II male and female athletes, with 149 completed responses. The survey included 3 themes: injury incidence, training intensity, and physical and mental exhaustion. Men and women spent 4.5 days per week training using moderate- and high-intensity levels. Fifty percent of the total number of athletes reported chronic injury. During the competition season, physical exhaustion occurred "frequently" 30.86 and 23.53% of the time with men and women, respectively. In the noncompetition season, physical exhaustion was "frequently" experienced 19.75 and 17.65% of the time among men and women, respectively. Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found with acute injury for men and chronic injury for women. Also, training intensity levels and physical and mental exhaustion for men and women were statistically significant. The current investigators found the training involved 2-3 hours of moderate to high intensity 4.5 days per week both during competition and noncompetition; women and men spent 2-3 hours of light intensity 1.31 and 1.45 days per week, respectively. Women and men in addition to training, engaged in 3.78 and 4.43 hours of leisure physical activity per week. The investigators recommend tapering, periodization, and rest to help avoid overuse syndrome, overreaching, and overtraining that leads to excessive physical and mental exhaustion and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rheba E Vetter
- Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Department, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri, USA.
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21
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Analysis and monitoring of oxidative stress in exercise and training by FTIR spectrometry. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2009; 3:119-30. [PMID: 19208921 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.3.2.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of alterations in taper components on performance in competitive athletes, through a meta-analysis. METHODS Six databases were searched using relevant terms and strategies. Criteria for study inclusion were that participants must be competitive athletes, a tapering intervention must be employed providing details about the procedures used to decrease the training load, use of actual competition or field-based criterion performance, and inclusion of all necessary data to calculate effect sizes. Datasets reported in more than one published study were only included once in the present analyses. Twenty-seven of 182 potential studies met these criteria and were included in the analysis. The dependent variable was performance, and the independent variables were the decrease in training intensity, volume, and frequency, as well as the pattern of the taper and its duration. Pre-post taper standardized mean differences in performance were calculated and weighted according to the within-group heterogeneity to develop an overall effect. RESULTS The optimal strategy to optimize performance is a tapering intervention of 2-wk duration (overall effect = 0.59 +/- 0.33, P < 0.001), where the training volume is exponentially decreased by 41-60% (overall effect = 0.72 +/- 0.36, P < 0.001), without any modification of either training intensity (overall effect = 0.33 +/- 0.14, P < 0.001) or frequency (overall effect = 0.35 +/- 0.17, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION A 2-wk taper during which training volume is exponentially reduced by 41-60% seems to be the most efficient strategy to maximize performance gains. This meta-analysis provides a framework that can be useful for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists to optimize their tapering strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Bosquet
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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24
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Abstract
While taper is a well-established practice in most endurance sports, no study has investigated the effects of taper on repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Eleven female, recreational, team-sport athletes (mean+/-SD: age = 19+/-3 y, VO2max = 39.0+/-6.4 mLxkg(-1)xmin(-1)) trained intensively three times per week for six weeks. Each week (on a non-training day), subjects performed a RSA test (5 x 6-s sprints every 30 s). Following the training period, subjects were given a 10-day exponential taper followed by a final RSA test. Following the taper, there was a non-significant increase in both total work (4.4% increase; P = 0.16) and peak power (3.2% increase; P = 0.18) during the 5 x 6-s test. There was however a significant decrease in work decrement (Wk 6: 10.2+/-3.5% v Wk 8: 7.9+/-4.3%; P< 0.05) following the 10-day taper. This is the first study to report the effects of taper on repeated-sprint performance. While not significant, the 10-day taper did result in a 3%-4% improvement in performance. Similar percentage improvements have been reported in swimmers and runners following seven to 14-day tapers. Further research is required to structure the optimal taper to improve repeated-sprint performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bishop
- School of Human Movement and Exercise Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia
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Mujika I, Padilla S, Pyne D, Busso T. Physiological changes associated with the pre-event taper in athletes. Sports Med 2005; 34:891-927. [PMID: 15487904 DOI: 10.2165/00007256-200434130-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Some of the physiological changes associated with the taper and their relationship with athletic performance are now known. Since the 1980s a number of studies have examined various physiological responses associated with the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, hormonal, neuromuscular and immunological systems during the pre-event taper across a number of sports. Changes in the cardiorespiratory system may include an increase in maximal oxygen uptake, but this is not a necessary prerequisite for taper-induced gains in performance. Oxygen uptake at a given submaximal exercise intensity can decrease during the taper, but this response is more likely to occur in less-skilled athletes. Resting, maximal and submaximal heart rates do not change, unless athletes show clear signs of overreaching before the taper. Blood pressure, cardiac dimensions and ventilatory function are generally stable, but submaximal ventilation may decrease. Possible haematological changes include increased blood and red cell volume, haemoglobin, haematocrit, reticulocytes and haptoglobin, and decreased red cell distribution width. These changes in the taper suggest a positive balance between haemolysis and erythropoiesis, likely to contribute to performance gains. Metabolic changes during the taper include: a reduced daily energy expenditure; slightly reduced or stable respiratory exchange ratio; increased peak blood lactate concentration; and decreased or unchanged blood lactate at submaximal intensities. Blood ammonia concentrations show inconsistent trends, muscle glycogen concentration increases progressively and calcium retention mechanisms seem to be triggered during the taper. Reduced blood creatine kinase concentrations suggest recovery from training stress and muscle damage, but other biochemical markers of training stress and performance capacity are largely unaffected by the taper. Hormonal markers such as testosterone, cortisol, testosterone : cortisol ratio, 24-hour urinary cortisol : cortisone ratio, plasma and urinary catecholamines, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 are sometimes affected and changes can correlate with changes in an athlete's performance capacity. From a neuromuscular perspective, the taper usually results in markedly increased muscular strength and power, often associated with performance gains at the muscular and whole body level. Oxidative enzyme activities can increase, along with positive changes in single muscle fibre size, metabolic properties and contractile properties. Limited research on the influence of the taper on athletes' immune status indicates that small changes in immune cells, immunoglobulins and cytokines are unlikely to compromise overall immunological protection. The pre-event taper may also be characterised by psychological changes in the athlete, including a reduction in total mood disturbance and somatic complaints, improved somatic relaxation and self-assessed physical conditioning scores, reduced perception of effort and improved quality of sleep. These changes are often associated with improved post-taper performances. Mathematical models indicate that the physiological changes associated with the taper are the result of a restoration of previously impaired physiological capacities (fatigue and adaptation model), and the capacity to tolerate training and respond effectively to training undertaken during the taper (variable dose-response model). Finally, it is important to note that some or all of the described physiological and psychological changes associated with the taper occur simultaneously, which underpins the integrative nature of relationships between these changes and performance enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Research and Development, Medical Services, Athletic Club of Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.
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26
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Neary JP, Martin TP, Quinney HA. Effects of taper on endurance cycling capacity and single muscle fiber properties. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004; 35:1875-81. [PMID: 14600553 DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000093617.28237.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It was hypothesized that metabolic adaptations in single muscle cells after a taper period are fiber type (I and II) specific and protocol regimen dependent. METHODS After 7-wk intensive endurance training, 22 male cyclists (VO2max=4.42 +/- 0.40 L.min(-1)) were randomly assigned to one of three 7-d taper groups: the control group (CON, N=7) continued weekly training, the first experimental group (INT) maintained training intensity but reduced duration (N=7), and the second experimental group (DUR) maintained training duration but reduced exercise intensity (N=8). Each cyclist completed a simulated 40-km time trial (40TT) before and after tapering on a set of wind-loaded rollers using their own bicycle. Muscle biopsies were taken immediately before the 40TT both before and after tapering, and analyzed for mATPase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cyctochrome oxidase (CYTOX), alpha-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD), and beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (beta-HOAD) in Type I and II fibers, separately, using quantitative histochemistry. RESULTS The results showed significant (P< or =0.05) increases in SDH (Type I) and mATPase, CYTOX, beta-HOAD, and SDH (Type II fibers) in the INT group, and significant increases in CYTOX (Type I) and beta-HOAD (Type I and II fibers) in the DUR group. Regression analysis showed that the change (posttaper minus pretaper) in simulated 40-km endurance time was correlated with the change in CYTOX and SDH activity for all groups combined (r2=0.62-0.72). CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that the metabolic properties of different fiber types are altered with tapering, that the type of taper protocol used influences their physiological adaptation, and that improvements in simulated 40-km endurance time were related to changes in metabolic properties of the muscle at the single fiber level.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Patrick Neary
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
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27
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Myburgh KH. What makes an endurance athlete world-class? Not simply a physiological conundrum. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2004; 136:171-90. [PMID: 14527639 DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(03)00220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Inter-individual variation in endurance performance capacity is a characteristic, not only of the general population, but also in trained athletes. The ability of sport scientists to predict which athletes amongst an elite group will become world-class is limited. We do not fully understand the interactions between biological factors, training, recovery and competitive performance. Assessment methods and interpretation of results do not take into account the facts that most research is not done on elite athletes and performances of world-class endurance athletes cannot be attributed to aerobic capacity alone. Many lines of evidence suggest that there is a limit to adaptation in aerobic capacity. Recent advances in molecular biology and genetics should be harnessed by exercise biologists in conjunction with previously used physiological, histological and biochemical techniques to study elite athletes and their responses to different training and recovery regimens. Technological advances should be harnessed to study world-class athletes to determine optimal training and competition strategies. In summary, it is likely that multiple factors are essential contributors to world-class endurance performance and that it is only by using a multidisciplinary approach that we will come closer to solving the conundrum: 'What makes an endurance athlete world class?'
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Myburgh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, 7602, Matieland, South Africa.
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Neary JP, Bhambhani YN, McKenzie DC. Effects of different stepwise reduction taper protocols on cycling performance. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY = REVUE CANADIENNE DE PHYSIOLOGIE APPLIQUEE 2003; 28:576-87. [PMID: 12904635 DOI: 10.1139/h03-044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of different 7-day taper protocols on simulated 20-km time trials (20TT). Following 3 weeks of baseline training, 11 male cyclists (.VO2max = 4.78 +/- 0.66 L.min-1) were randomly assigned to one of three stepwise reduction tapers in which training volume was reduced by 30% (T30, n = 5), 50% (T50, n = 6), or 80% (T80, n = 6) of baseline training with intensity (85% .VO2max) maintained. Cardiorespiratory measurements were collected every 5 km during the 20TT. Results revealed a significant (5.4%, 0.05) improvement in 20TT performance in the T50 protocol with concomitant increases in .VO2 and O2 pulse. No significant differences were found in T30 or T80. These results showed that a moderate (50%) reduction in weekly training volume appeared to be optimal in terms of enhancing performance. This confirms the contention that proper placement of training volume during tapering, while maintaining exercise intensity, can elicit performance improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Patrick Neary
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5A3, Canada
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Abstract
The taper is a progressive nonlinear reduction of the training load during a variable period of time, in an attempt to reduce the physiological and psychological stress of daily training and optimize sports performance. The aim of the taper should be to minimize accumulated fatigue without compromising adaptations. This is best achieved by maintaining training intensity, reducing the training volume (up to 60-90%) and slightly reducing training frequency (no more than 20%). The optimal duration of the taper ranges between 4 and more than 28 d. Progressive nonlinear tapers are more beneficial to performance than step tapers. Performance usually improves by about 3% (usual range 0.5-6.0%), due to positive changes in the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, hematological, hormonal, neuromuscular, and psychological status of the athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Research and Development, Medical Services, Athletic Club of Bilboa, Basque Country, Spain.
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