Resting Hormone Alterations and Injuries: Block vs. DUP Weight-Training among D-1 Track and Field Athletes.

Keith Painter,Caleb Bazyler,Michael Stone,Mike Ramsey,N Triplett,Charles Stuart,Guy Hornsby,G Haff

doi:10.3390/sports6010003

Abstract

Daily undulating periodization (DUP), using daily alterations in repetitions, has been advocated as a superior method of resistance training, while traditional forms of programming for periodization (Block) have been questioned. Nineteen Division I track and field athletes were assigned to either a 10-week Block or DUP training group. Year and event were controlled. Over the course of the study, there were four testing sessions, which were used to evaluate a variety of strength characteristics, including maximum isometric strength, rate of force development, and one repetition maximum (1RM). Although, performance trends favored the Block group for strength and rate of force development, no statistical differences were found between the two groups. However, different (p ≤ 0.05) estimated volumes of work (VL) and amounts of improvement per VL were found between groups. Based upon calculated training efficiency scores, these data indicate that a Block training model is more efficient in producing strength gains than a DUP model. Additionally, alterations in testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and the T:C ratio were measured. Although there were no statistically (p ≤ 0.05) different hormone alterations between groups, relationships between training variables and hormone concentrations including the T:C ratio, indicate that Block may be more efficacious in terms of fatigue management.

Highlights

The development of “periodized” resistance training programs has resulted in several programming models of training, each purporting to produce advances over more traditional models.“Daily undulating periodization” (DUP) programming models have been developed using daily changes in repetitions [1,2,3]
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the DUP programming method with one of a more traditional block periodization (Block) programming method for strength-power training, in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-1 track and field athletes, during a 10-week fall semester preparation-phase
Superior fatigue management can be associated with enhanced adaptation to training, increased performance, fewer injuries and general well-being of the athlete

Summary

Introduction

The development of “periodized” resistance training programs has resulted in several programming models of training, each purporting to produce advances over more traditional models. “Daily undulating periodization” (DUP) programming models have been developed using daily changes in repetitions (and work) [1,2,3]. Heavy and light days are believed to be accomplished as a result of using loading differences (intensity) associated with the different repetition schemes being used from day to day. It is believed that this type of alteration produces enhanced variation such that superior gains in strength and power, and overall performance are accomplished [1,4]. Block periodization (Block) consists of stages, each containing three “blocks”: accumulation, transmutation and realization [5,6]. Block periodization depends upon “phase potentiation”, in which each individual block theoretically

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