Mathematical Modelling and Optimisation of Athletic Performance: Tapering and Periodisation

TL;DR

This paper applies mathematical optimisation to athletic training models to improve performance, revealing discrepancies with traditional practices and proposing modifications for better alignment with optimal training strategies.

Contribution

It introduces nonlinear modifications to existing models to better match optimal training load trends with established sports science practices.

Findings

Optimised training loads differ from common practices.

Proposed model modifications align better with tapering and periodisation.

Mathematical framework enhances understanding of training load effects.

Abstract

We conduct a mathematical optimisation of the training load to maximise performance for two seminal athletic performance models: the Banister et al. 1975 Fitness-Fatigue Impulse Response Model and the Busso 2003 Variable Dose-Response Model. We discuss discrepancies in the general trends of the optimised training loads compared to common training practices recommended in the sports science literature, such as tapering and periodisation. We then propose a set of interpretable nonlinear modifications in the magnitude and time response to training in the fitness-fatigue model such that the optimised training load demonstrates these trends.