New Perspectives in Training for Maximum Performance

Chronological plots of world records in track, field, and swimming events provide evidence of irregular but consistent increases in the performance capacity of man. The new records reflect a complex interaction between improvements in sports equipment, technique, training, and changes in social and nutritional influences. Data are now available to evaluate the long-term effects of training in terms of neuromuscular control, mitochondrial activity, and contractile speed and strength, as well as in terms of the total body responses of ventilation, circulation, and thermal exchange. However, the training of athletes continues to be more of an art than a science and training programs are evaluated empirically by the success of the athletes and coaches using them. In this paper, appropriate physiological data on athletes and animals will be used to evaluate current training practices and to suggest new perspectives for training the athlete. Training Theories Three theories provide the fundamental basis