Mujika, I., Goya, A., Ruiz, E., Grijalba, A., Santisteban, J., & Padilla, S. (2002). Physiological and performance responses to a 6-day taper in middle-distance runners: Influence of training frequency. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 23, 367-373.

After 18 weeks of training, male distance runners were assigned to a high-frequency taper (N = 5; daily training for six days) or moderate-frequency taper group (N = 4; training on days 1, 2, 4, and 5). Taper consisted of a 80% non-linear progressive reduction in high-intensity interval training. Performance was an 800-m run.

Performance improved after the high-frequency taper, but not after the moderate taper. Various physiological factors also changed during the taper period.

Implication. For middle-distance running events, and sports with similar demand characteristics, daily training in a taper period is likely to produce better performances.

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