Savage, M. V., Brown, S. L., Savage, P., & Bannister, E. W. (October, 1981). Physiological and performance correlates of training in swimmers. A paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Sports Sciences, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Several physiological measures (VO2max, Hb, ferritin, lactate at rest and post-exercise) were taken during and after 75 days of training.

It was found that:

• group training produced different individual training profiles within the group for the same "workouts;"
• physiological factors and performances reflected the training profile (improving as the volume of training lessened);
• there were phase differences between physiological measures, that is, the measures responded over different time periods (e.g., Hb changes crested and declined earlier than VO2max during peaking); and
• individuals in groups following the same peaking program demonstrated different concomitant physiological and performance profiles.

Implication. Because of the individuality of training responses to "standard" or "group" training programs, there is no alternative other than to apply individual training programs based on individualized training responses to produce the best experience for athletes.

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