What the study found
The meta-analysis found average improvements in time-trial performance after tapering and examined differences by taper design. Its subgroup findings favour a substantial volume reduction while retaining familiar intensity and frequency.
Participants and protocol
Fourteen studies were included. The analysis compared performance before and after tapering and examined duration, volume reduction, intensity, frequency and preceding training.
What this cannot establish
Subgroup averages do not identify the best taper for one athlete. The findings are not a reason to introduce an unfamiliar overload block immediately before a race.
Publication details
- Record
- PubMed 37163550
- Publication types
- Meta-Analysis · Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't · research-article · Systematic Review
- Indexed subjects
- Oxygen Consumption · Physical Endurance · China · Athletes
- 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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Performance Science Lab
Research summaries for endurance athletes, with study context, practical protocols, and clear limitations.
Open guideTapering performance research
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