Abstract
This study aimed to compare the training load of a professional under-19 soccer team (U-19) to that of an elite adult team (EAT), from the same club, during the in-season period. Thirty-nine healthy soccer players were involved (EAT [n = 20]; U-19 [n = 19]) in the study which spanned four weeks. Training load (TL) was monitored as external TL, using a global positioning system (GPS), and internal TL, using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). TL data were recorded after each training session. During soccer matches, players’ RPEs were recorded. The internal TL was quantified daily by means of the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) using Borg’s 0–10 scale. For GPS data, the selected running speed intensities (over 0.5 s time intervals) were 12–15.9 km/h; 16–19.9 km/h; 20–24.9 km/h; >25 km/h (sprint). Distances covered between 16 and 19.9 km/h, > 20 km/h and >25 km/h were significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT over the course of the study (p = 0.023, d = 0.243, small; p = 0.016, d = 0.298, small; and p = 0.001, d = 0.564, small, respectively). EAT players performed significantly fewer sprints per week compared to U-19 players (p = 0.002, d = 0.526, small). RPE was significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT (p = 0.001, d = 0.188, trivial). The external and internal measures of TL were significantly higher in the U-19 group compared to the EAT soccer players. In conclusion, the results obtained show that the training load is greater in U19 compared to EAT.
Highlights
IntroductionThere is evidence that the presence of physical fatigue is related to an increased risk of sustaining injuries [1,2]
Playing soccer is associated with considerable physiological stress that leads to fatigue.There is evidence that the presence of physical fatigue is related to an increased risk of sustaining injuries [1,2]
elite adult team (EAT) performed a significantly smaller number of sprints per week compared to under-19 soccer team (U-19) (p = 0.002, Effect sizes (ES) = 0.526, small)
Summary
There is evidence that the presence of physical fatigue is related to an increased risk of sustaining injuries [1,2]. To limit these negative consequences, monitoring players’. Malone et al [5] defined TL as the combination of factors, such as volume and intensity, that can be manipulated in the formulation of training, a concept which comprises of two key components: external and internal load. The applied quantity of the various types of soccer-related activities (training and match play) represent the external load which is defined as the physical work prescribed by coaches [6]. The internal load can be defined as the relative biological stresses imposed on players during training and competition [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
