A model study of optimal training reduction during pre-event taper in elite swimmers
- 1 April 2008
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Journal of Sports Sciences
- Vol. 26 (6), 643-652
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410701716782
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess responses to taper in elite athletes using computer simulations. Parameters of a non-linear model were derived from training and performance data over two seasons for eight elite swimmers. The fit between modelled and actual performances was statistically significant for each swimmer (r 2 = 0.56 ± 0.06; P < 0.01). The simulations were used to estimate characteristics of step and progressive tapers that would maximize performance either (1) after regular training only or (2) after overload training of a 20% step increase in regular training for 28 days. The highest performance with a step taper was greater with than without prior overload training (101.4%, s = 1.6 vs. 101.1%, s = 1.4 of personal record; P < 0.01) but required a longer taper duration (22.4 days, s = 13.4 vs. 16.4 days, s = 10.3; P < 0.05). The optimal progressive taper led to a better performance only after the overload period (101.5%, s = 1.5; P < 0.001). Negative and positive influences of training were estimated as indicators of fatigue and adaptations to training respectively. During the optimal taper, the negative influence was completely removed, independently of the prior training, whereas the positive influence increased only after overload training. Our computer simulations show that the characteristics of an optimal training reduction in elite athletes depend on the training performed in the weeks prior to a taper.Keywords
This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Physiological Changes Associated with the Pre-Event Taper in AthletesSports Medicine, 2004
- Effects of Taper on Endurance Cycling Capacity and Single Muscle Fiber PropertiesMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2003
- Variable Dose-Response Relationship between Exercise Training and PerformanceMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2003
- Scientific Bases for Precompetition Tapering StrategiesMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2003
- Modeled responses to training and taper in competitive swimmersMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 1996
- Effects of Training on Performance in Competitive SwimmingCanadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 1995
- Fatigue and fitness modelled from the effects of training on performanceEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology, 1994
- The effects of a reduced exercise duration taper programme on performance and muscle enzymes of endurance cyclistsEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology, 1992
- The quantitative periodization of athletic training: A model studySports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 1991
- The Effect of Detraining and Reduced Training on the Physiological Adaptations to Aerobic Exercise TrainingSports Medicine, 1989