Effects and mechanisms of tapering in maximizing muscular strength

Hayden Pritchard, Justin Keogh, Matthew Barnes, Michael McGuigan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Tapering for maximal strength requires reductions in training load to recover from the fatigue of training. It is performed before important competitions to allow optimal performance at specific events. Reductions in training volume, with maintained or small increases in training intensity, seem most effective for improving muscular strength. Training cessation may also play a role, with less than 1 week being optimal for performance maintenance, and 2-4 days appearing to be optimal for enhanced maximal muscular strength. Improved performance may be related to more complete muscle recovery, greater neural activation, and an enhanced anabolic environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-83
Number of pages12
JournalStrength and Conditioning Journal
Volume37
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Apr 2015

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