Hematological and Running Performance Modification of Trained Athletes after Reverse vs. Block Training Periodization

Abstract

<jats:p>The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of block (BP) and a reverse training periodization (RP) in the hematological and running performance of amateur trained athletes. Modifications in hematological, aerobic, and anaerobic running performance and countermovement jump before and after twelve weeks of BP vs. RP training programs were analyzed in 16 trained athletes (eight males: 40.0 ± 6.2 years; 179.2 ± 12.8 cm; 73.8 ± 12.2 kg; and eight females: 34.2 ± 4.1 years; 163.4 ± 9.6 cm; 57.0 ± 11.0 kg). A significant decrease in heart rate (HR) at ventilatory threshold (VT1) (p = 0.031; ES = 1.40) was observed in RP without changes in BP. In addition, RP increased significantly VO2max (p = 0.004; ES = 0.47), speed at VO2max (p = 0.001; ES = 1.07), HR at VT2 (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 1.32) and VT1 (p = 0.046; ES = 0.57), while BP improved VO2max (p = 0.004; ES = 0.51), speed at VO2max (p = 0.016; ES = 0.92), and HR at VT2 (p = 0.023; ES = 0.78). In addition, only RP increased anaerobic performance in a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) (mean sprint: p = 0.009; ES = 0.40, best sprint: p = 0.019; ES = 0.30 and total time: p = 0.009; ES = 0.40). Moreover, both types of training periodization proposed in this study maintained hematological values and efficiently improved jump performance (p = 0.044; ES = 0.6) in RP and p = 0.001; ES = 0.75 in BP). Therefore, twelve weeks of either RP or BP is an effective strategy to increase jump and aerobic running performance maintaining hematological values, but only RP increases anaerobic running performance.</jats:p>

Psychological and Physiological Features Associated with Swimming Performance

“…Moreover, regarding the performance variables analyzed, the aerobic performance (MAS) was highly correlated to both frequency (HF, LF/HF, LFn and HFn) and time domains (Mean RR, Mean HR, NN50 and pNN50), by contrast, the anaerobic performance (T50m) correlated only with two variables of the frequency domain (LF and HF). Specifically, higher aerobic performance was related to a higher parasympathetic activation because athlete who presented higher values of HF, HFn, LF/HF, Mean RR, NN50 and pNN50 achieved a higher MAS, results coinciding with previous studies [ 34 , 35 , 36 ] conducted with athletes. However, anaerobic performance correlated to lower values of LF and HF, it seems that the activation of the autonomic nervous system appears to be not a parameter that highly influences the anaerobic performance.…”

The Effect of Periodization on Training Program Adherence

“…Reverse periodization, unlike previous periodization models, begins the macrocycle with high-intensity and low-volume training, while gradually decreasing intensity and increasing volume or, depending on the sport, maintaining intensity and increasing volume during the following training periods [ 15 ]. The main adaptations associated with this type of periodization (reverse periodization) that provoke an increase of athletic performance are closely related with the application of high intensity training [ 16 ] (e.g., increase sympathetic modulation to achieve different physiological adaptations related with aerobic performance such as the increase in GLUT4 concentration, the optimization of the muscle buffering capacity, the increment of the maximal glucose transport activity in skeletal muscle or the enhancement of the glycogen content [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]). Moreover, compared to moderate continuous training (commonly used in traditional periodization) high intensity training induces similar-to-greater improvements in fitness and cardiovascular function but in a shorter amount of time [ 34 ].…”

“…The ability of athlete’s to influence their workouts showed beneficial effects over adherence and athlete’s performance gains [ 13 ]. Yet, there are few studies regarding reverse periodization, that is, where athletes start their preparation with high-intensity and low-volume training, while gradually decreasing intensity and increasing volume or, depending on the sport, maintaining intensity, and increasing volume during the following training periods [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]; a training paradigm opposite to the traditional training periodization based on developing high-volume and low-intensity training during the first periods of the periodization, with progressive increases in training intensity and simultaneous decreases in training volumes of the consecutive periods [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Periodization and Block Periodization in Sports: Emphasis on Strength-Power Training—A Provocative and Challenging Narrative

“…Typically for most sports, the periodization paradigm proceeds from high to low volume. However, these phases can be reversed for some sports to produce somewhat different effects often enhancing specific endurance factors (69). In addition, the length of time that a phase lasts can be altered based on a number of factors, including the competition calendar, the trained state, or the level of accumulated fatigue carried over from the previous stage.…”

“…In addition, if Buckner et al (16) are correct then rearranging the phases of periodization would make no difference in the outcome; however, this does not seem to be the case. For example, in several studies, researchers have reversed the order of fitness phases (and therefore programming) from typical and found different outcomes, sometimes subtle, nevertheless different (2,(26)(27)(28)69). This evidence also includes resistance training (166,168).…”