Effect of an intensified training period on well-being indices, recovery and psychological aspects in professional soccer players

Abstract

IntroductionIntensified training periods (IT) are associated with fatigue increase and psychological variations. ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to examine the perceived well-being, recovery quality and psychological responses during an IT. MethodsFifteen professional soccer players (mean±SD: age: 24±1 years, body mass: 71.3±15.1kg, height: 178.0±6.1cm) completed a 6-week training program consisting of 2weeks of basic training (BT) and 4weeks of IT. They were tested before (T1) and after (T2) the IT. Training load (TL) perception, strain and monotony were measured by the session-RPE method. Well-being indices (sleep quality, fatigue level, stress and delayed-onset muscular soreness [DOMS]) and total quality recovery (TQR) were recorded before each training session. The profile of mood states (POMS) and the Ottowa mental skills assessment tool (OMSAT)-3 were conducted before and after IT. ResultsNo significant difference was found after IT in OMSAT-3 scores (p>0.05). TL, monotony and strain increased during IT (p<0.001). Moreover, well-being indices (stress, sleep quality, fatigue level and DOMS) increased (p<0.001) and TQR decreased (p<0.001) during IT. The IT increased total mood disturbance (TMD, p<0.001), tension (p<0.05) and fatigue (p<0.01) and decreased vigor (p<0.001). Significant relationships were found between TL and Hooper Index (HI), TQR and TMD (r=0.58, 0.65, −0.57, respectively; all p<0.05). ConclusionThe findings of this investigation suggested that mental ability was not sensitive to fatigue caused by training load intensification. However, perceived well-being, recovery state and mood were found to be sensitive measures and may provide coaches with information about wellness and psychological state of soccer players during IT.