What the study found
The review identifies limited evidence and incomplete reporting for peaking maximal strength. It explains why strength and power athletes cannot simply assume an endurance taper fits their competition.
Participants and protocol
The authors review tapering and training cessation in relation to powerlifting performance and maximal strength.
What this cannot establish
The abstract does not establish a single validated peaking protocol. Powerlifting outcomes should not be converted directly into marathon or triathlon taper instructions.
Publication details
- Record
- PubMed 32917000
- Publication types
- review-article · Review
- Source record checked
- 2026-10-18
Publication type and subject indexing describe the record; they are not a quality grade or proof of a benefit. An abstract does not replace a review of the full methods and results.
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FAQs
What is PMID 32917000?
PMID 32917000 is the 2020 review Tapering and Peaking Maximal Strength for Powerlifting Performance by Travis and colleagues, published in Sports.
Is the full text of PMID 32917000 free?
Yes. PubMed Central hosts the complete open-access article as PMC7552788, and PubMed provides the abstract and citation record.
What taper did the review recommend for powerlifting?
The authors proposed reducing training volume about 30–70% over 1–2 weeks, maintaining at least 85% 1RM or reducing intensity near competition, then using 2–7 days of training cessation. They also stressed individual adjustment because the evidence was limited and heterogeneous.
Does this powerlifting taper apply to endurance athletes?
Not directly. The review targets maximal strength and powerlifting performance. Marathon, triathlon, HYROX, and other endurance tapers require sport-specific evidence and workload decisions.
Keep going
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Open guideScientific Bases for Precompetition Tapering Strategies
Research note: Scientific bases for precompetition tapering strategies.
Open guideSources
- PMID 32917000 — abstract and citation
- PMID 32917000 — free full text
- Tapering and Peaking Maximal Strength for Powerlifting Performance: A Review
- Characterizing the Tapering Practices of United States and Canadian Raw Powerlifters
- North American raw powerlifter tapering practices — DOI
- Higher- Versus Lower-Intensity Strength-Training Taper: Effects on Neuromuscular Performance
- Higher- versus lower-intensity strength-training taper — DOI