A TWO-WEEK TAPER IS BEST FOR FEMALE SWIMMERS

Kenitzer, R. F. (1998). Optimal taper period in female swimmers based on blood lactate concentrations and performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 611.

Female competitive swimmers (5 sprinters, 5 long-distance, 5 middle-distance) were studied during a four-week end of season taper. Training yardage was reduced by 25% weekly. Blood lactates and performances were evaluated after a 4 x 100 m test set.

All groups were similar in performance and lactate values at the initial testing and so Ss were collapsed into a single group.

The best values for performance and lactate were exhibited after two weeks indicating an effective taper. However, after that, signs of detraining occurred.

Implication. In female swimmers, a taper of two weeks duration produces the best recovery.

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