Training theory and taper : validation in triathlon athletes

• Published in: European journal of applied physiology 1999, Vol.79 (2), p.182-191
• Main Authors: BANISTER, E. W, CARTER, J. B, ZARKADAS, P. C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Algorithms; Bicycling - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Computer Simulation; Ergometry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Heart Rate - physiology; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Physical Education and Training - methods; Physical Fitness - physiology; Pulmonary Gas Exchange - physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Running - physiology; Swimming - physiology; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0301-5548; 1439-6319; 1432-1025; 1439-6327
• DOI: 10.1007/s004210050493

This paper defines a training theory with which to predict the effectiveness of various formats of taper in optimizing physical performance from a standardized period of training and taper. Four different taper profiles: step reduction vs exponential (exp) decay and fast vs slow exp decay tapers, were simulated in a systems model to predict performance p(t) resulting from a standard square-wave quantity of training for 28 days. The relative effectiveness of each of the profiles in producing optimal physical improvement above pre-taper criterion physical test standards (running and cycle ergometry) was determined. Simulation showed that an exp taper was better than a step-reduction taper, and a fast exp decay taper was superior to a slow exp decay taper. The results of the simulation were tested experimentally in field trials to assess the correspondence between simulation and real-training criterion physical tests in triathlon athletes. The results showed that the exp taper (tau = 5 days) group made a significantly greater improvement above a pre-taper standard (P < or = 0.05) than the step-reduction taper group in cycle ergometry, and was better, but not significantly so, in a 5-km run. A fast exp taper group B (tau = 4 days) performed significantly better (P < or = 0.05) in maximal, cycle ergometry above a pre-taper training standard than a slow exp taper group A (tau = 8 days) and was improved more, but not significantly so, than group A in a 5-km criterion run. The mean improvement on both physical tests by exp decay taper groups all increased significantly (P < or = 0.05) above their pre-taper training standard. Maximum oxygen uptake increased significantly in a group of eight remaining athletes during 2 weeks of final taper after three athletes left early for final preparations at the race site.