Periodization, Training Load Prescription and Monitoring

There has been a marked increase in the level and complexity of Irish dancing (ID) in recent decades with participants dancing harder and for longer than ever before. However, the implications of an excessive, or sudden increase in training load, are evidenced by the high rates of pain and injury in ID cohorts. Initial research in both elite adult and adolescent Irish dancers indicates a lack of appropriate periodization in the genre. Training load must consider both internal and external measures of load, with the impact of stress, fatigue and physical over-reaching all important factors. Load monitoring, in addition to careful forward planning of the competitive calendar and appropriate pre-competition tapering, can help support optimal health and performance, and prevent burnout in Irish dancers.