CURRENT CONCEPTS IN PERIODIZATION OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR THE SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPIST.

UNLABELLED: The rehabilitation process is driven by the manipulation of training variables that elicit specific adaptations in order to meet established goals. Periodization is an overall concept of training that deals with the division of the training process into specific phases. Programming is the manipulation of the variables within these phases (sets, repetitions, load) that are needed to bring about the specific adaptations desired within that particular period. The current body of literature is very limited when it comes to how these variables are best combined in an injured population since most of the periodization research has been done in a healthy population. This manuscript explores what is currently understood about periodization, gives clinical guidelines for implementation, and provides the sports physical therapist with a framework to apply these principles in designing rehabilitation programs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.