Effects of block periodization training on basic physical fitness and anaerobic power in elite sprint swimmers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of traditional periodization (TP) and block periodization (BP) training on basic physical fitness and anaerobic power in elite male sprint swimmers. Twenty elite male sprint swimmers were randomly assigned to either the TP group (n=10) or the BP group (n=10). The BP training program consisted of sequential weekly phases: adaptation, maximum strength, power and power/endurance, which were repeated twice over the 8-week period. In contrast, the TP group followed a program in which maximum strength phases were incorporated twice per week throughout 8 weeks. As a result, the BP group showed significant improvements in strength, muscular endurance, agility, and reaction time. Furthermore, peak anaerobic power significantly improved in the BP group. These findings suggest that the block periodization training applied in this study might be an effective strategy for improving basic physical fitness, including strength, muscular endurance, agility, reaction time, as well as anaerobic power in elite sprint swimmers.