Reverse training periodization (RP) and block training periodization (BP) both improved aerobic running performance, but only RP increased anaerobic running performance (mean sprint p=0.009; ES=0.40).
Does reverse training periodization improve hematological and running performance compared to block training periodization in amateur trained athletes?
Twelve weeks of reverse training periodization is an effective strategy to increase jump, aerobic, and anaerobic running performance in trained athletes.
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 < 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.
Martín et al. (2020) studied Amateur trained athletes (n=16). Reverse training periodization (RP) vs. Block training periodization (BP) was evaluated on Hematological, aerobic, and anaerobic running performance and countermovement jump. Reverse training periodization (RP) and block training periodization (BP) both improved aerobic running performance, but only RP increased anaerobic running performance (mean sprint p=0.009; ES=0.40).