Application Of Supercompensation Theory In Athletic Sprint Training Program: Literature Review
Keywords:
Supercompensation Theory; Sprint Training; Athletic Performance; Recovery Adaptation; Periodization.Abstract
Sprint performance development requires not only appropriate training loads but also effective recovery strategies to optimize physiological adaptation. One of the most widely recognized concepts in sports training is Supercompensation Theory, which explains how performance can improve beyond baseline levels following adequate recovery after training-induced fatigue. This study aimed to analyze and synthesize scientific evidence regarding the application of Supercompensation Theory in sprint athletics training programs from both conceptual and empirical perspectives. This study employed a literature review design by examining articles published between 2015 and 2025 from reputable databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Crossref. The selection process followed systematic screening procedures based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 86 articles were initially identified, with 25 studies meeting the eligibility criteria for final analysis. Data were analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach focusing on physiological adaptation, recovery mechanisms, neuromuscular responses, periodization, and performance outcomes. The findings revealed that 96% of the reviewed studies emphasized recovery and adaptation timing as the most critical factor in sprint performance enhancement, while 88% highlighted neuromuscular adaptation as the primary mechanism underlying performance improvement. Supercompensation-based training was associated with increased sprint speed, repeated sprint ability, countermovement jump performance, rate of force development, and overall neuromuscular efficiency. In conclusion, the application of Supercompensation Theory provides a scientifically supported framework for optimizing sprint training programs through the strategic integration of training load, recovery, and adaptation processes, thereby enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of overtraining.
References
Banister, E. W. (1991). Modeling elite athletic performance. In J. D. MacDougall, H. A. Wenger, & H. J. Green (Eds.), Physiological Testing of the High-Performance Athlete (2nd ed., pp. 403–424). Human Kinetics.
Behm, D. G., & Sale, D. G. (2020). Intended rather than actual movement velocity determines velocity-specific training response. Journal of Applied Physiology, 74(1), 359–368. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1993.74.1.359
Bompa, T. O., & Buzzichelli, C. (2019). Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training (6th ed.). Human Kinetics. Website: https://us.humankinetics.com
Bourdon, P. C., Cardinale, M., Murray, A., Gastin, P., Kellmann, M., Varley, M. C., Gabbett, T. J., Coutts, A. J., Burgess, D. J., Gregson, W., & Cable, N. T. (2017). Monitoring athlete training loads: Consensus statement. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(Suppl. 2), S2161–S2170. https://doi.org/10.1123/IJSPP.2017-0208
Fox, J. L., Scanlan, A. T., & Stanton, R. (2017). A review of player monitoring approaches in team sport. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3494–3510. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002245
Fuentes-Barría, H., et al. (2025). Neuromuscular adaptations and rate of force development following sprint-based training interventions. Sports, 10(2), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10020195
Halson, S. L. (2014). Monitoring training load to understand fatigue in athletes. Sports Medicine, 44(Suppl. 2), 139–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0253-z
Hasegawa, N., Nakamura, M., & Kato, K. (2024). Effects of high-intensity sprint exercise on neuromuscular function in sprinters: The countermovement jump as a fatigue assessment tool. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42(8), 1023–1032. Website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380996547
Issurin, V. B. (2016). Benefits and limitations of block periodized training approaches to athletes’ preparation: A review. Sports Medicine, 46(3), 329–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0425-5
Kiely, J. (2018). Periodization theory: Confronting an inconvenient truth. Sports Medicine, 48(4), 753–764. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0823-y
Marrier, B., Robineau, J., Piscione, J., Lacome, M., & Peeters, A. (2017). Supercompensation kinetics of physical qualities during a taper in team sport athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(9), 1163–1169. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0607
Mujika, I., & Padilla, S. (2018). Scientific bases for precompetition tapering strategies. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 35(7), 1182–1187. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000074448.73931.11
Noakes, T. D. (2019). Lore of Running (5th ed.). Human Kinetics. Website: https://us.humankinetics.com
Robineau, J., Piscione, J., Lacome, M., & Peeters, A. (2018). Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in elite sprint athletes. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(5), 639–648. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1439248
Selye, H. (1956). The Stress of Life. McGraw-Hill.
Stone, M. H., Hornsby, W. G., Haff, G. G., Fry, A. C., Suarez, D. G., Liu, J., Gonzalez-Rave, J. M., & Pierce, K. C. (2021). Periodization and block periodization in sports training. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 43(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000589
Thurlow, S., Weakley, J. J. S., Garcia-Ramos, A., & Jones, B. (2024). Effects of repeated sprint training on athletic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(2), 317–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01942-8
Turner, A. N., & Stewart, P. F. (2014). Strength and conditioning for sprinting. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 36(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000014
Viru, A., & Viru, M. (2016). Nature of training effects. In Exercise and Sport Science (pp. 67–95). Human Kinetics.
Yang, Y., Li, Z., Wang, J., & Chen, X. (2025). Comparative effects of repeated sprint training, sprint interval training, and high-intensity interval training on athletic performance. Frontiers in Physiology, 16, 1529336. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1529336
Yakovlev, N. N. (1960). The dynamics of restoration processes after muscular work. Theory and Practice of Physical Culture, 3, 15–23.
Zatsiorsky, V. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2021). Science and Practice of Strength Training (3rd ed.). Human Kinetics.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Sport Education, Coaching, and Health (JOCCA)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
_kecil.png){kind=logo}
