Supercompensation

[Guest guest]

What follows is a copy of from the World Roundup section of

Track Coach (formerly Track Technique). Although flawed, i think that it is

interesting and worth discussion. I will post some of my own comments to

thelist later in the week.

Kebba Tolbert

Men's and Women's Jumps & Multis Coach

Syracuse University Track & Field

kebba_t@...

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About the Problems of Supercompensation

Wolfgang Freidrich & Hans Moeller

A very popular and widely accepted principle of training theory

is the concept of supercompensation Introduced by Jakovlev in 1977. At

first glance this concept appears to present a simple and plausible model

for a relatively precise temporal planning of training, as well as linear

improvement of form, based on the observation of fatigue principles.

However, since the beginning of the 1990's, supercompensation theory has

been frequently criticized in numerous sport science publications. It is

therefore surprising that supercompensation, despite being in conflict with

the findings of recent studies, is still largely accepted by coaches and

even defended by Jakovlev's supporters.

[Dr Jakovlev is a well-known Russian scientist who has done a great deal of

research into the nature of adaptation and supercompensation in training. Mel

Siff]

An analysis of the literature dealing with training theories and principles

reveals that there are considerable difficulties in the interpretation of

the theory of supercompensation. There is a large range of problems

associated with the concept, starting with the biological aspect of

adaptation, which has been shown to be genetically determined and therefore

strictly individual. Consequently it does not fit in Jakovlev's exact plan

for adaptation processes taking place after two or three days of recovery.

Another essentially weak link of the theory is that it fails to take into

consideration neural adaptation processes, nor does it accept that the

capacity of the total of the total adaptation reserves of the of the

organism is limited. Further confusion is created by the fact that every

load does not necessarily produce fatigue, a prerequisite for the following

supercompensation after the restoration phase.

There are also many other shortcomings in the temporal pseudo-accuracy of

Jakovlev's model. What is left is only to ascertain that there is, after

depletion, a replenishment of glycogen and energy-rich phosphate reserves.

The rest of the concept is full of contradictions and simply fails to

correspond with the reality of adaptation in modern sport. A logical

approach is to ignore it.

(Leistungssport) Germany

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