Challenging Conventional Periodization, Going Crazy with Nutmeg, and Covid Vaccines

📝 Weekly paper summary

Periodization Theory: Confronting an Inconvenient Truth (Kiely, 2018)

Context

The strategic planning of physical development, whether for elite sport, work, or life, is called periodization. Although it was initially grounded in stress theory (Selye in the 1930s), the science of stress has evolved considerably since then. Despite these evolutions in stress theory, Selye's work still forms the basis of most periodization models. Kiely outlines the notion of "Path Dependency," which is defined by McWorther as:

"something that seems normal today began with a choice that made sense at a particular time in the past, and survived despite the eclipse of the justification for that choice."

Kiely argues that the philosophical underpinnings of training periodization remain unchallenged and unchanged. He writes:

"periodization's historical foundations appear rooted, in a path-dependent manner, in an outdated science" (pg 754).

Therefore, realigning periodization with modern stress science can improve training practices. Below is a brief outline of the evolution of stress science theories outlined in the paper. Mainly, the emphasis is on a shift from homeostatic to allostatic models:

Contributions

Beyond the traditional mechanical and energy-related demands we impose on training, this new framework necessitates that practitioners also consider the psycho-emotional demands of training (either from "grinding" or by enhancing expectancies, reducing anxiety, etc.) in the periodization process. Ultimately, the outcomes of the training plan are inseparable from athletes' perceptions, expectations, associations and concerns.
"Mechanical training stressors do serve as the primary stimulus for, yet are not the sole drivers of, fitness adaptations. Instead, imposed training stressors percolate through a sequence of complex interacting modifying filters [genetics, training history, nutrition factors, cognitive and psycho-emotional state], before eventually manifesting as fitness responses" (pg. 759).
Given the challenges with measuring "stress" due to its context-dependent definition, coaches must combine objective (e.g., heart rate variability), subjective (e.g., questionnaires), and experiential-led (e.g., coach-athlete dialogue) assessments to guide training.
In addition to training physical capabilities, practitioners can also promote emotional robustness and stress resilience by progressing athletes with different training challenges.

🧠 Fun fact of the week

Nutmeg is a "holiday spice" and is especially common during Christmas. Did you know, though, that two to three tablespoons of nutmeg can result in myristicin poisoning, which induces hallucinations, convulsions, pain, nausea, and paranoia that can last for several days (or potentially even death)? You probably won't be having anywhere near that much, but it's probably still a fun fact to get people talking around the dinner table (if you're still able to gather with loved ones)!

🎙 Podcast recommendation

Given the recent spread of the Omicron variant, I think you'll enjoy this conversation!

🗣 Quote of the week

"Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it."

- Epictetus