Houmard, J. A., Scott, B. K., Justice, C. L., & Chenier, T. C. (1994). The effects of taper on performance in distance runners. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), 624-631.

Trained runners performed a 7-day systematic reduction in training volume. One group ran, the other used a cycle ergometer, and a control group continued with normal running. The running group improved in 5 km time and running economy while the other two groups did not.

Implication. Doing other activities in taper is a waste of time and may impede recovery benefits. This does not support cross training in taper.

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