Effect of two tapering strategies on endurance-related physiological markers in athletes from selected training centres of Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective We aimed to investigate the effects of two tapering strategies on specific endurance-related performance markers in some selected athletic training centres of Ethiopia. Methodology Thirty-seven young distance runners (mean age: 20±1.97 years; mean training period: 2.43±0.603 years) were randomly assigned to high-intensity low-volume (HILV) and high-intensity moderate-volume (HIMV) taper groups. Training frequencies were five times per week conducted for 2 weeks in both groups. At baseline and after 2 weeks of the taper intervention, the average red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and haematocrit percentages (Hct) of the participants were measured and analysed using a complete blood count (sysmix) instrument. Results Using a parallel-group design, we investigated the effects of the two tapering strategies (HILV and HIMV), and positive changes were observed in the endurance-related physiological traits of RBC count, Hgb concentration and Hct percentages regardless of the amount of volume reduced during the 2-week taper period. Comparisons of the two strategies did not reveal significant differences between the taper groups. Conclusion Taper strategies characterised by HILV and HIMV training load have beneficial effects on the improvement of endurance performance. Reduction of training load-training volume did not affect endurance performance, instead these could induce extra adaption of the body physiology.