Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Basics of Tapering; Chapter 2. Taper-Associated Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Changes; Chapter 3. Taper-Associated Biochemical, Hormonal, Immunological Changes; Chapter 4. Taper-Associated Psychological Changes; Chapter 5. Reduction of the Training Load; Chapter 6. Designing the Taper for Performance Improvements; Chapter 7. Insights From Mathematical Modeling; Chapter 8. Unique Aspects of Team Sport Tapering; Chapter 9. Tapering for Individual Endurance Sports; Chapter 10. Tapering for Sprint and Power Events; Chapter 11. Tapering for Precision Sports; Chapter 12. Tapering for Team Sports.

About the Author

Inigo Mujika, PhD, is a lecturer in the department of physiology, faculty of medicine and odontology, at the University of the Basque Country in Leioa, Spain. Previously, Mujika was also the head of the department of research and development at the Spanish professional football team Athletic Club Bilbao. As a researcher, sport science practitioner and coach, Mujika is widely considered one of the most respected experts on tapering and peaking for optimal performance. Since 1992, Mujika has been devoted to the research of tapering and peaking for sport performance. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 6 book chapters and 10 other publications on tapering-related issues. He has also presented nearly 70 lectures on tapering at conferences and seminars worldwide. Mujika is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and serves as associate editor of the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. He holds a doctoral degree in biology of muscular exercise (1995) from the University of Saint-Etienne in France and a second doctorate in physical activity and sport sciences (1999) along with an Extraordinary Doctorate Award from the University of the Basque Country in Spain.

Reviews

"In Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance, competitive athletes will finally find the scientific answers to all their practical questions about tapering. This book will provide a substantial advantage to coaches and
athletes." Professor Tim Noakes
MBChB, MD, DSc, FACSM
Author of Lore of Running "Tapering and Peaking for Optimal Performance bridges the gap from science to competition. Inigo Mujika tackles the critical issues of performance with ease and excellence." Louise Burke, PhD, APD
Head of the department of sports nutrition
Australian Institute of Sport
Author of Practical Sports Nutrition "This book comprehensively covers the tapering and peaking process. The author does a nice job of combining current research with common techniques used in the profession so that any athlete can use this information to achieve optimal performance." --Doody's Book Review