Transfer of training effect refers to the effects of learning one skill or piece of subject matter on the learning of -another skill or piece of subject matter. There are both negative and positive transfer effects. In some cases the learning of one. Thing is an aid in learning something else. This is positive transfer.
The reverse of this is negative transfer. It is a widely used approach for structuring a training programme to improve competitive performance in a specific sport by training in a variety of sports. Despite numerous anecdotal reports claiming benefits for cross training, very few scientific studies have investigated this particular type of training. It appears that some transfer of training effects on maximum oxygen uptake (V02 max) exists from one mode to another. The non-specific training effects seem to be more noticeable when is performed as a cross-training mode. Swim training, however, may result in minimum transfer of training effects on V02 max.
Cross-training effects never exceed those induced by the sport-specific training mode. The principles of specificity of training tend to have greater significance, especially for highly trained athletes. For the general population, cross-training may highly beneficial in terms of overall fitness. Similarly, transfer of training may be an appropriate supplement during rehabilitation periods from physical injury and during period of overtraining or psychological fatigue.