Periodisation: What is it?
Periodisation is an approach that can be used to design a rehabilitation program. It is the planned manipulation of training variables to maximise adaptation and avoid overtraining (Lorenz & Morrison, 2015).
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- Based on changing exercise volume and load across (microcycle, mesocycle and macrocycle) predictable, distinct blocks of timeframes
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- It usually follows a progression of phases through ROM, strength, power, and speed.
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- It requires completion of the previous phase, reaching specific milestones
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Advantages:
- Predictable training variables allowing the patient to progress independent home exercise
- Step wise progression of training parameters
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Disadvantages:
- The athlete may not maintain specific training parameters once they have moved to the next phase i.e. losing strength when moving to endurance training
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- Volume and load are altered frequently (weekly to bi-weekly) to allow neuromuscular recovery
Advantages:
- May lead to better neuromuscular adaptations
- Allows for better manipulation of training variables based on recovery
- Several training variables can be addressed at the same time
Disadvantages:
- The athlete may not be able to complete power-based movements if strength has not been achieved
- Each training variable may not have sufficient stimulus to improve that paramater
Linear periodisation
Non-linear periodisation