Confronto fra periodizzazione Tradizionale e a Blocchi per l'allenamento della forza in atleti maschi e partecipanti di genere femminile.

The first part of the study explored the origin and the fundamental characteristics of the traditional and the block periodization models for strength training. The aim of the second part of the study was to compare the hormonal and strength responses to a block (BP) and a traditional (TP) periodized strength training programs in male athletes. Twenty-five experienced resistance trained males were randomly assigned to either a block (BP) or a traditional (TP) periodized resistance training program. Salivary samples were taken before and after six different workouts over the training period and measured for testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). Strength and power testing occurred before and after the 15-weeks training program. No differences were noted in the hormonal responses between BP and TP during any training cycle. Results indicated that BP appears to stimulate greater gains in bench press maximal strength (p = 0,040) and power (p = 0,035) compared to TP. The third part of the study was a comparison of block (BP) and traditional periodization (TP) on maximal strength and hypertrophy of recreationally strength trained women. Seventeen women participated in the study and trained 3 days a week for 10 weeks. The results revealed that both BP and TP groups made significant increases in strength and power but improvements in lower body strength and hypertrophy were significantly greater in TP group compared to BP group (p = 0,039 and p = 0,004, respectively). Results indicate that traditional model is more effective than the block periodization model for increasing maximal strength and muscle size of the lower body in women. The conflicting data between TP ࢠvs BP training methods in men and women may be related to a gender difference in anabolic/catabolic ratio.