Effects of Match-Related Contextual Factors on Weekly Load Responses in Professional Brazilian Soccer Players.

Luiz Guilherme Cruz Gonçalves,Bruno Luiz De Souza Bedo,Fábio Yuzo Nakamura,Carlos Augusto Kalva-Filho,José Afonso,Rodrigo Aquino,Vincenzo Rago

doi:10.3390/ijerph17145163

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify the weekly training load distributions according to match location, opponent standard, and match outcome in professional soccer players. Rate-of-perceived-exertion-based training load (sRPE) and distance- and accelerometry-based measures were monitored daily during 52 training sessions and 11 matches performed by 23 players. Athletes who played ≥ 60 min during non-congested weeks were considered for data analysis. The training days close to away matches (e.g., one day before the match = MD-1) presented greater sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work (player load) compared to the training days close to home matches (p = 0.001–0.002; effect size (ES) = medium−large). The most distant days of the home matches (e.g., five days before the match = MD-5) presented higher internal and external loads than before away matches (p = 0.002–0.003, ES = medium). Higher sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work were found during the middle of the week (e.g., three days before the match, MD-3) before playing against bottom vs. medium-ranking teams (p = 0.001–0.01, ES = small−medium). These metrics were lower in MD-5 before matches against bottom vs. medium-ranking opponents (p = 0.001, ES = medium). Higher values of all external load measures were observed during the training session before winning matches (MD-1) compared to a draw or loss (p < 0.001–0.001, ES = medium−large). In conclusion, the training load distribution throughout the week varied considerably according to match-contextual factors.

Highlights

The training load (TL) has been described as the input variable that is manipulated to elicit the desired training response to warrant peak performance in competitions [1,2]
Training days close to away matches (e.g., MD-1) presented greater internal and external loads compared to home matches, mainly for soccer players. Rate-of-perceived-exertion-based training load (sRPE), distance-based volume measures (TD, LMIR), and mechanical work
We found higher values of all external load measures during the training session before winning matches (i.e., MD-1) compared to a draw or loss

Summary

Introduction

The training load (TL) has been described as the input variable that is manipulated to elicit the desired training response to warrant peak performance in competitions [1,2]. The current literature is vast and has allowed characterization of the general demands of soccer training and match-play, using a myriad of variables that potentially affect weekly TL responses [4,5,6]. The latter notably include wellness indicators [7], match players’ participation i.e., starters and non-starters [8], congested fixture [9], constraint tasks [10,11], coach behavior and practice structure [12], and training style of the coach [13]. Professional soccer players cover a longer total distance under high-intensity running, perform a higher number of acceleration/deceleration intervals, and reach higher peak speed when playing home matches [14], playing against a stronger opponent [16,17] or winning the match [18]

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Discussion

Conclusion