A Discussion on Different Approaches for Prescribing Physical Interventions – Four Roads Lead to Rome, but Which One Should We Choose?

Figure 1. Schematic illustration of four approaches to prescribe physical interventions (PI). Approaches are based on (i) comparable external load (solid grey line), (ii) comparable internal load (dashed black line), (iii) comparable dose (solid red line), or (iv) comparable outcome (dashed red line). The prescription of PI is based on different exercise variables, training variables, and training principles inducing a specific exercise stimulus. In the so-called response matrix, the exercise stimulus interacts with the unique characteristics of the individual which leads to a measurable psychophysiological response (i.e., internal load). In short-term, a specific internal load can cause acute changes in distinct outcome parameters whereas the repetitive and long-term occurrence of an internal load can drive chronic changes in distinct outcome parameters (e.g., adaptations). Such chronic changes influence modifiable individual factors (i.e., capacity level) which, in turn, alter the biological processes in the response matrix. A detailed definition of exercise variables, training variables, and training principles, can be found elsewhere [21].