PerPot – a meta-model and software tool for analysis and optimisation of load-performance-interaction

The Performance Potential meta-model PerPot simulates the interaction between load and performance in adaptive physiological processes like training in sport by means of antagonistic dynamics.The term “antagonistic dynamics” means that the same load input has two contradictory effects, namely the performance increasing response flow and the performance decreasing strain flow. Depending on the delays with which these flows become effective the training can cause positive or negative temporary results.Exemplarily, this dynamics can be understood from the interaction of organs or components of an organism, which produce and transfer substances with certain delays and so cause time-dependent changes of the organism’s state.Antagonistic dynamics necessarily use internal buffers, corresponding to organic components, which work like memories and therefore also can delay effects. For one example, overload can cause a fast increase of performance - but in turn can cause a delayed collapse when, after a while, the overloaded strain buffer begins to reduce the performance dramatically.The developed PerPot meta-model allows for a better understanding of the described load-performance-interactions - theoretically as well as by simulating the respective processes by means of a software tool: Simulation shows how changes of load profiles influence the short- and long-term behaviour of performance and so, besides others, enables to optimise training schedules. In particular, in most cases the necessary amount of load can be reduced and so might help to avoid contra-productive overtraining.The contribution gives an introduction to the basic ideas of PerPot and demonstrates how the different components work and what they are helpful for. A number of examples will demonstrate how PerPot can be applied to original problems.