REVIEW PAPER
A systematic review of research on Tactical Periodization: absence of empirical data, burden of proof, and benefit of doubt
 
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1
Centre for Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
 
2
Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Nikaia, Greece
 
3
Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
 
4
Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
 
5
Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, Covilhã, Portugal
 
 
Submission date: 2019-11-19
 
 
Acceptance date: 2020-05-12
 
 
Publication date: 2020-06-16
 
 
Hum Mov. 2020;21(4):37-43
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
Tactical Periodization was developed as an alternative paradigm to periodization. The principles established by its proponents seem theoretically reasonable and well adjusted to competitive sports, especially team sports with year-long competitions, and are quickly becoming popular in sports such as soccer, rugby, and tennis. There are valid arguments in favour of Tactical Periodization, but in science the burden of proof falls on the shoulders of the proponents. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to systematically review articles focusing on Tactical Periodization published in peer-reviewed journals.

Material and methods:
The research involved original experimental articles assessing Tactical Periodization in any sport, published in English or Portuguese.

Results:
Although Tactical Periodization is an interesting theoretical concept and is currently popular, no empirical research on the subject was found. For that reason, it is premature to scientifically support this periodization model.

Conclusions:
The benefit of doubt can be temporarily conceded but Tactical Periodization was created more than 20 years ago. Therefore, it must be properly tested if it aims to be an alternative to current periodized models.

 
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ISSN:1899-1955
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