Abstract des Autors

The procedure of periodization of an athlete's training provides a structured approach to training, with regularly scheduled periods of recovery. lt also enables overtraining to be monitored regularly and effectively within a framework that eliminates many of the potential problems of such assessment. Unfortunately, much of the published work in this area is no more than experiential evidence and conjecture. There is still a real need for widely held opinions to be tested with well-designed, systematic research studies. The periodization approach also represents a more effective structure to overtraining research design, whereby a period of recovery is enforced prior to performance, biological, and psychological assessment. In this way, those parameters most closely associated with overtraining can be more readily identified and incorporated into an athlete's regular battery of tests, while potential interfering factors can be minimized. Verf.-Referat