Failing to plan is planning to fail. This topic covers periodisation and program design. The goal of this topic is to show the physical therapist and coach to plan in variation to maximally boost improvement and manage fatigue.
Training efficiency is impossible to achieve without a good organisation. All the different training parameters – choice of exercise, exercise order, number of sets, amount of reps per set, rest interval – can be modified to provide training variation. Periodisation is the methodical planning and structuring of variation in training content, volume and intensity to optimise performance at predetermined time points. The critical aims of periodisation in sports are fatigue management and to consistently maintain a high level of performance throughout the entire competitive season. This chapter encompasses different periodisation models and their practical application during different phases of the sports season or phases of rehab.
This topic also addresses the different variables involved in the design of a performance session. The effectiveness to achieve specific physiological adaptations to a strength training program depends on five training variables: intensity, number of sets, exercise choice, exercise order and rest interval. The manipulation of these variables reflects the goal of the strength training session and determines the neural, hypertrophic and hormonal response to the workout. This topic will provide a good understanding of these training variables is therefore essential to provide optimal training stimuli and control the training load.