I worked with a client whose main goal was to improve their muscular strength over the course of 12 weeks. Initially going into training, a linear periodised programme seemed appropriate to help enable them to achieve their goals. This is a common method of training that focusses on the gradual increase of intensity and decreases in volume through the use of micro, meso and macro cycles. However, during the consultation process it was noted that the client had high blood pressure which meant that the 12 week training programme had to be adapted in a few different ways to cater to the client’s needs. Firstly, I adopted a non-linear periodised programme (NLPP) approach. Research into this method showed that this type of programming could be easily adapted on a session by session basis. It has been found that similarly to linear periodised programmes, a NLPP can result in strength and fitness gains, also stating that “some research indicates greater strength gains with daily non-linear periodisation”[1]. Implementing this type of periodisation meant that at the beginning of each session, the client had their blood pressure taken and thus the training volume and intensity was adapted if necessary based on the blood pressure reading. This therefore lead to the sessions being tailored exactly to the client for that exact day.
In addition to this, I had to educate myself on hypertension and its risks in relation to exercise. Based on the ACSM risk stratification flow chart the client presented as moderate risk. This meant that sessions needed to be set at a moderate intensity and thus were adapted based on volume and intensity but also on the type of exercise. For example, exercises that consisted of sustained movements above the head had to be ruled out due to the amount of effort that would be placed on the cardiovascular system. However, this also presented further implications to training in the form of testing. As the clients main goal was to improve their muscular strength, initial plans were to complete 1 rep max testing, but due to the risk that hypertension can present this had to be ruled out and therefore other forms of testing had to be implemented. For example the use of the hand grip strength test, forearm circumference and bicep circumference were used to collect data. It has been found that forearm circumference was predictive of maximum grip strength in men[2]. Furthermore, it is also stated that hand grip strength can be used as a predictor of muscular strength[3]. Therefore, the use of these measurements to track the clients progress in a way that was both suitable and safe, allowed for the attainment of the clients goals. Thus adapting to the client and their needs proved to be safe whilst also providing benefits, with the client making strength gains and also showing improvements in their blood pressure.
References
[1] FLECK, S., 2011. Non-Linear Periodisation for General Fitness and Athletes. Journal for Human Kinetics, (Special Issue), 41-45
[2] ANAKWE, R., J. HUNTLEY and J. MCEACHAN, 2007. Grip Strength and Forearm Circumference in a Healthy Population. Journal of Hand Surgery, 32(2), 203-209
[3] TROSCLAIR, D et al., 2011. Hand Grip Strength as a Predictor of Muscular Strength and Endurance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25, 99
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