Higher- Versus Lower-Intensity Strength-Training Taper: Effects on Neuromuscular Performance

Hayden J Pritchard; Matthew J Barnes; Robin J Stewart; Justin W L Keogh; Michael R McGuigan

doi:10.1123/ijspp.2018-0489

Back

Higher- Versus Lower-Intensity Strength-Training Taper: Effects on Neuromuscular Performance

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Higher- Versus Lower-Intensity Strength-Training Taper: Effects on Neuromuscular Performance

Hayden J Pritchard, Matthew J Barnes, Robin J Stewart, Justin W L Keogh and Michael R McGuigan

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Vol.14(4), pp.458-463

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0489

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0489View

Published Version

Abstract

performance

periodisation

strength and conditioning

strength training

tapering

Purpose: To investigate the effects of strength training tapers of different intensities, but equal volume reductions, on neuromuscular performance. Methods: Eleven strength-trained males (21.3±3.3 years, 92.3±17.6 kg, relative 1RM deadlift 1.9±0.2 times bodyweight) completed a crossover study. Specifically, two four-week strength training blocks were followed by a taper week with reduced volume (~70%) involving either an increased (5.9%) or decreased (-8.5%) intensity. Testing occurred pre-training (T1), post-training (T2), and post-taper (T3). Salivary testosterone and cortisol, plasma creatine kinase, a daily analysis of life demands in athletes questionnaire, countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and bench press (IBP) were measured. Results: CMJ height improved significantly over time (p<0.001), with significant increases from T1 (38.0±5.5 cm) to both T2 (39.3±5.3 cm; p=0.010) and T3 (40.0±5.3 cm; p=0.001), and from T2 to T3 (p=0.002). CMJ flight-time: contraction-time increased significantly over time (p=0.004), with significant increases from T1 (0.747±0.162) to T2 (0.791±0.163; p=0.012). IMTP relative peak force improved significantly over time (p=0.033), with significant increases from T1 (34.7±5.0 N/kg) to T2 (35.9±4.8 N/kg; p=0.013). No significant changes were found between tapers. However, the higher intensity taper produced small ES increases at T3 vs. T1 for IMTP relative peak force, CMJ height and flight-time: contraction-time, while the lower intensity taper only produced small ES improvements at T3 vs. T1 for CMJ height. Conclusions: A strength training taper with volume reductions had a positive effect on power, with a tendency for the higher intensity taper to produce more favourable changes in strength and power.

Details

Title: Higher- Versus Lower-Intensity Strength-Training Taper: Effects on Neuromuscular Performance
Authors: Hayden J Pritchard (Author) - Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Matthew J Barnes (Author) - Massey University, New Zealand
Robin J Stewart (Author) - Universal College of Learning, New Zealand
Justin W L Keogh (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Michael R McGuigan (Author) - Edith Cowan University
Publication details: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Vol.14(4), pp.458-463
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2018-0489
ISSN: 1555-0265
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451254802621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

1 File views/ downloads

278 Record Views

21 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Physiology; Sport Sciences