Related Experiment Videos
The General Adaptation Syndrome: Potential misapplications to resistance exercise
Samuel L Buckner1, J Grant Mouser1, Scott J Dankel1
1Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, Kevser Ermin Applied Physiology Laboratory, The University of Mississippi, United States.
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|April 6, 2017
Summary
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is often applied to resistance exercise programming, but this study suggests it may be an inappropriate model. Hans Selye's original stress research may not directly translate to exercise physiology.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Stress Response
- Training Adaptation
Background:
- The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a widely accepted theory in resistance training.
- GAS is frequently cited as the theoretical basis for periodization in exercise programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate Hans Selye's original research on GAS.
- To examine the foundational papers applying GAS to resistance exercise periodization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Hans Selye's work on stress.
- Review of key publications linking GAS to resistance exercise.
Main Results:
- Selye's research focused on universal physiological stress from toxic stimuli.
- Extrapolations of GAS to resistance exercise appear tenuous.
Conclusions:
- The application of the General Adaptation Syndrome to resistance exercise may lack a robust scientific foundation.
- Rethinking the theoretical underpinnings of resistance exercise periodization is warranted.