TYPE II FIBERS (POWER) ARE MOST AFFECTED BY A TAPER
Trappe, S., Costill, D., Lee, G., & Thomas, R. (1998). Effect of swim taper on human single muscle fiber contractile properties. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 220.
Changes in the contractile properties of both type I and IIa (fast-twitch oxidative) fibers of the deltoid muscle in swimmers (N = 6) were observed prior to and following a 21 -day taper.
Type IIa fibers are more affected by a taper than are type I fibers.
Implication. This is basic physiological evidence to support Costill's often said proposal that taper affects power more than it does endurance. Since this study only assessed one feature of a taper, it should not be concluded as being the only feature to change.
Return to Table of Contents for this issue.