Investigating the effects of taper training in elite cross-country skiers

Taper training is a method used to reduce the cumulative effects of fatigue prior to competition. The aim of this study is to reduce the negative effects such as fatigue and performance loss that may occur after intensive training in the preparation period in elite cross-country skiers with taper training and to ensure that athletes achieve success by increasing some physiological and motoric characteristics before an important competition. The study was designed on the Bolu-Gerede cross-country skiing team for the 2022-2023 season. 14 male athletes, including the Taper Group (n: 7) and the control group (n: 7), who have been cross-country skiing for at least 4 years, participated in the study. The study started in the preparation period and after a 3-week intensive training period, the taper training group was given a 1-week step taper training in which the training scope was reduced by 50% and the control group continued intensive training.The athletes participating in the study were subjected to tests before the 3-week intensive training period (pre-test), after the intensive training (interim test) and after the 1-week taper training (post-test). The athletes' body composition (height, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass and muscle mass), agility (Pro-Agility), VO2max aerobic capacity (20 m shuttle run), speed (10 m – 20 m – 30 m), grip test (hand dynamometer), 5 km time trial (free technique) measurements were performed. As a result, it was determined that the taper training method applied after the intensive training period had a statistically significant effect on the body fat percentage (%), body fat mass (kg), 5 km time trial performance and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) values of the cross-country skiers. According to these results, it was determined that the taper training had a positive effect on the performance of elite cross-country skiers.