The effects of systematic block versus traditional periodization on physiological and performance indicators of well-trained cyclists

Abstract

Abstract

Previous studies have found block periodization to be an effective training organization model for improving endurance performance indicators as well as related physiological capacities in endurance athletes. Some research also indicates that block periodization is superior compared to traditional periodization for improving the aforementioned variables among endurance athletes. However, these studies investigated the effect of using block periodization of high-intensity training, while no studies so far have compared systematic block periodization of both low-, moderate-, and high-intensity training with traditional periodization. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether systematic block periodization (BLOCK) is more effective in improving cycling performance and physiological performance-determining variables compared to traditional periodization (TRAD) among well-trained cyclists during the preparatory period. 25 well-trained male cyclists (VO2max: TRAD 60.2 ± 8.0 ml·kg-1·min-1, BLOCK 56.8 ± 7.2 ml·kg-1·min-1) were assigned to a 12-week TRAD or BLOCK program, where both groups performed the same overall volume of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity training. Average 40-minute time trial power (W40TT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), power output at 4 mmol/L blood lactate (W4mmol), cycling efficiency, and average peak power output (Wpeak) were measured before, 4 weeks in, and after the 12-week training intervention. Both groups improved their VO2max (2.8 ± 2.0% vs 2.6 ± 0.9%, W4mmol (8.6 ± 11.6% vs 7.6 ± 4.1%), Wpeak (7.8 ± 2.0% vs 8.0 ± 2.0%), and W40TT (5.2 ± 0.4% vs 5.7 ± 0.0%) following the training intervention, but no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups were found. The present study concludes that BLOCK and TRAD seems to have the same effectiveness in improving cycling performance and associated physiological determinants in well-trained cyclists during the preparatory period.