Average Training Load Research Articles

Injury incidence in male elite youth football players is associated with preceding levels and changes in training load

ObjectivesElite youth football players miss out on a large part of seasonal training due to injury. Limited research suggests an association between external and internal training load (TL) and injury...

Sports cardiology centre - experience to date, data from the 2020-2022 registry and challenges of the third year of operation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): grant IGA_LF_2022_027. Introduction Sports cardiology is a dynamically developing subspecialty of cardiology. There are four Sports Cardiology Centres in the Czech Republic, which were established under the leadership of the Sports Cardiology Working Group thanks to the Czech Society of Cardiology (CSC) and the Czech Society of Sports Medicine. Objective To describe the experience, data from the registry of the Sports Cardiology Centre of our hospital for the period 1.1.2020-15.8.2022. Functioning and file: A) The patient logs into our way by way of the web interface, where the basic information and previous examinations are given. B) These input data will be incorporated by the center coordinator , ensure communication with the client, other necessary information or examination and after consultation with sports cardiologists, determine a plan of care. C) The organisational aspects of the established procedure are ensured by the nurses. D) After the follow-up examination, the client has a final consultation at the centre, where sport recommendations are always given. Between 1/2020 and 8/15/2022, 133 athletes were consulted at our Sports Cardiology Centre. Of these, 18 athletes are not completed and 115 clients with completed examinations were included in the next cohort, where 100 were male(87%) and 25 were female(13%). All were Caucasian, with a mean age of 26 ± 11 years. The youngest athlete was 15 years old and the oldest was 71 years old. The sports the clients participated in were 66.1% mixed, 27.8% endurance, 4.3% strength and 1.7% skill sports according to the European Society of Cardiology(ESC)2020 sport distribution. The average training load was 10 h/week. The minimum training load was 3h/week and the maximum 25h/week. The average duration of sport activity was 12 years per individual. The most frequent request for consultation was without a medical referral and this was in 41.7%, a physical therapist indicated an examination in 36.5%, a cardiologist in 14.8% and a PL in 6.1%. Reasons for referral were most commonly abnormalities in preparticipation screening /PPS/ 40.9%, symptoms 22.6% and Covid infection 13.9%. A final diagnosis was completed in 89 athletes(77.4%), a suspected diagnosis was made in 8 clients(7%). Eligibility for sport and eligibility with condition was received in 90 individuals(78.3%). Ineligibility was issued in 4 athletes(3.5%). The number of athletes who did not complete the investigation/ did not come in for a result was 21(18.3%). Conclusion The established organisational procedure of consultations allows for the least possible staff load on the hospital and speeds up the process of athlete follow-up. In the pursuit of the development of the field and the achievement of a stable quality of care, our centre is potentially able to meet the requirements of the ESC/ European Association of Preventive Cardiology for a sports cardiology unit in terms of methodological/procedural and personnel parameters.

Effects of an Injury Prevention Program in CrossFit Athletes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study aimed to assess the effects of an injury prevention program in CrossFit athletes. Thirty-two CrossFit athletes were randomized to either an intervention group (n=16), that performed mobility and stability exercises during the warm-up of all CrossFit sessions for a 10-week period or to a control group (n=16) that kept performing their usual warm-up. Incidence of injuries (primary outcome) as well as average training loads, fatigue and pain perception were registered during the study. The overall injury incidence rate was 0.04 per 1000 training hours, with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Similarly, no between-group differences were found for injury severity, nor for average training volume, intensity, training load, pain, or fatigue perception during the study (all p>0.05 with trivial-to-small effect sizes). In summary, a 10-week injury prevention program consisting of stability and mobility exercises provided no benefits on injury rates, fatigue and pain perception in recreational CrossFit athletes. Further research might corroborate the preliminary evidence reported here.

Training and match load in professional rugby union: Do contextual factors influence the training week?

Rugby union demands a multifaceted approach to training, given the multiple physical and technical attributes required to play the sport. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of training throughout the week and investigate how this may be influenced by match-related factors. Training load data (session Rating of Perceived Exertion [sRPE], total distance and high-speed running [HSR]) were collected from six professional English rugby teams during the 2017/18 season. Five contextual factors were also recorded including: standard of opposition, competition type, result of previous fixture, surface type, and match venue. The day prior to matches demonstrated the lowest training load (101 AU (95% CIs: 0-216 AU), 1 047 m (95% CIs:1 128-1 686 m) and 59 m (95% CIs: 0-343 m), respectively), while four days prior to the match demonstrated the highest training load (464 AU (95% CIs: 350-578), 2 983 m (95% CIs: 2 704-3 262m) and 234m (95% CIs: 0-477m), respectively). Of the five contextual factors, competition type was the only variable that demonstrated greater than trivial findings, with training before European fixtures the lowest stimulus across the four different competition types. Standard of opposition, previous result, surface type and venue had only trivial effects on training load (effect sizes = -0.13 to 0.15). Future studies should outline the distribution of other training metrics, including contact and collision training. This study provides a multi-club evaluation that demonstrates the variety of loading strategies prior to competitive match play and highlights competition type as the most influential contextual factor impacting the average training load.

Using Treatment Fidelity Measures to Understand Walking Recovery: A Secondary Analysis From the Community Ambulation Project.

Physical therapist intervention studies can be deemed ineffective when, in fact, they may not have been delivered as intended. Measurement of treatment fidelity (TF) can address this issue. The purpose of this study was to describe TF of a home-based intervention, identify factors associated with TF, and examine whether components of TF were associated with the outcome of change in 6-minute walk distance (∆6MWD). This is a secondary analysis of community-dwelling hip fracture participants who completed standard therapy and were randomly assigned to the active intervention (Push). Push was 16 weeks of lower extremity strengthening, function, and endurance training. TF was defined as delivery (attendance rate, exercise duration) and receipt (progression in training load, heart rate reserve [HRR] during endurance training, and exercise position [exercise on floor]). The outcome was ∆6MWD. Independent variables included baseline (demographic and clinical) measures. Descriptive statistics were calculated; linear and logistic regressions were performed. Eighty-nine participants were included in this analysis; 59 (66%) had attendance of 75% or greater. Participants walked for 20minutes or more for 78% of sessions. The average training load increased by 22%; the mean HRR was 35%; and 61 (69%) participants exercised on the floor for at least 75% of sessions. Regression analyses showed that a higher body mass index and greater baseline 6MWD were related to components of TF; 4 out of 5 components of TF were significantly related to ∆6MWD. The strongest TF relationship showed that those who exercised on the floor improved by 62 m (95% CI = 31-93 m) more than those who did not get on the floor. Measures of TF should extend beyond attendance rate. This analysis demonstrates how measures of TF, including program attendance, progression in training load, endurance duration, and exercising on the floor were significantly related to improvement in 6MWD in participants post hip fracture. This careful analysis of treatment fidelity assured that the intervention was delivered and received as intended. Analysis of data from a large trial with participants after hip fracture showed that regular attendance, frequent endurance training for 20minutes, increases in lower extremity training loads, and exercising on the floor were associated with improvements in the outcome of 6-minute-walk distance. The strongest association with improvement was exercising on the floor.

Monitoring Training Load in Soccer: The ROMEI Model.

Montini, M and Rocchi, JE. Monitoring training load in soccer: The Relation of Ongoing Monitored Exercise in Individual model. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2566-2572, 2022. For a training organization, monitoring training load (TL) is of paramount importance. Despite this, a conclusive response on such topic is yet to be reported. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between TL indicators and to propose a new method for monitoring TL response and physical fitness. Twenty professional soccer players were retrospectively evaluated. The first phase of data analysis included 34 in-season training sessions. Subsequently, three microcycles (T1-T2-T3) of pre-season training were processed. A regression model was used to examine the relationships between internal TL (session rating of perceived exertion [s-RPE]) and external TL (energy expenditure, EE). The standard error of the regression equation was used to propose a new model called "ROMEI" (Relation of Ongoing Monitored Exercise in Individual). The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. During the competitive season and the pre-season training camp, the average TL values were 65.8 ± 22 and 58.2 ± 22 minutes; 336 ± 204 and 228 ± 101 AU of s-RPE; and 29 ± 13 and 25 ± 9 kJ kJ -1 of EE, respectively. In the competitive season, the collective and average individual correlation coefficients between s-RPE and EE were r = 0.888 and r = 0.892 ± 0.05, respectively. Considering slope values ( m ) of the regression line, data highlighted a significant increase of +34.4 ± 15.9% in T2 vs. T3 ( p < 0.001) and +38.2 ± 15.2% in T1 vs. T3 ( p < 0.001). Data shown in this investigation support the use of an individualized analysis to better understand the TL administered to soccer players rather than a collective analysis. This may be accomplished with the proposed ROMEI model.

Training Load, Injury Burden, and Team Success in Professional Rugby Union: Risk Versus Reward.

Individual and team injury burden and performance are 2 key considerations facing practitioners in the daily prescription of an athlete's training load. Whereas a considerable number of researchers have examined univariate relationships between training load and performance, training load and injury, or injury and performance, few investigators have examined all 3 concurrently. To assess the association among training load, injury burden, and performance in professional rugby union. Descriptive epidemiology study. The English Premiership competition. Individual injury and training load data, as well as team performance data, were captured during the 2015-2016 (n = 433 players) and 2016-2017 (n = 569 players) seasons. Data were aggregated into team average scores for each week, including weekly (acute) load, smoothed chronic load, changes in load, injury burden, and weekly performance. Linear mixed modelling techniques were used to assess the association among measures. Injury burden was negatively associated with performance, with a high weekly burden associated with a likely harmful (P = .01) decrease in performance. Training load measures displayed only trivial associations with performance. Only the acute:chronic workload ratio measure was clearly associated with injury burden, with a possibly harmful effect (P = .02). Both squad size and player availability were associated with only trivial changes in performance. Whereas no association between average training load and performance existed, associations between training load and injury burden and between injury burden and performance were clear. Further investigation using more sensitive and individualized measures of load, performance, and injury may elicit a clearer relationship and should be considered for future work.

How to Use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Data to Monitor Training Load in the "Real World" of Elite Soccer.

How to Use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Data to Monitor Training Load in the "Real World" of Elite Soccer.

Comparing Training Load and Intensity Perceptions between Female Distance Runners and Their Coach

Coaches are trusted to create effective training plans based on the abilities of their athletes. However, there can exist a discrepancy between the coaches’ intended training intensity and the intensity perceived by their athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate athletes’ perceptions of training intensity and how they compared to their coach’s intended training intensity. Six female collegiate track and field athletes who ran &gt;800 meter events were recruited for this study (Mean [SD]: 21.3 [1.2] years). Training duration, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), average heart rate for each training session and hours slept nightly were recorded for the next 14 weeks. Easy training days showed a discernible difference with actual session RPE rating higher than the target value (mean [SD] perception 3.25 [.847], target 1.51 [.692], p&lt;.001), while hard training days were perceived as easier than intended (mean [SD] perception 6.26 [1.24], target 8.16 [.646], p&lt;.001). Similarly, average training load (defined as the product of Session RPE and exercise duration) was higher than coach’s intentions on easy days (actual load mean [SD] 117.28 [19.15] p=.046), and lower than the coach’s intentions on hard days (p=.029). Workouts that are more intense than intended may lead to overtraining syndrome in athletes, and workouts that are less intense than intended may lead to undertraining, and athletes not achieving their full potential. Appropriate monitoring of training load can provide important information to athletes and coaches. Training load needs to be accurately determined to establish other recovery factors.

Relationship Between Heart Rate Variability and Acute:Chronic Load Ratio Throughout a Season in NCAA D1 Men's Soccer Players.

Sekiguchi, Y, Huggins, RA, Curtis, RM, Benjamin, CL, Adams, WM, Looney, DP, West, CA, and Casa, DJ. Relationship between heart rate variability and acute:chronic load ratio throughout a season in NCAA D1 men's soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1103-1109, 2021-The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR)-based training load (TL) metrics and (b) to examine relationships across various A:C ratio-based TL metrics. Heart rate variability in 23 male college soccer players (mean ± SD; age, 21 ± 1 years; body mass, 80.3 ± 5.8 kg; height, 181.9 ± 6.5 cm; %body fat, 11.9 ± 2.0%; and V̇o2max, 51.9 ± 5.0 ml·kg-1·min-1) was measured at 5 time points: week(W)1, W3, W7, W12, and W14 during the 2015 NCAA men's soccer season. Heart rate variability was calculated from beat to beat intervals using a heart rate monitor. Players donned a global position satellite-enabled device that measured the following TL metrics: session time (ST), Player Load (PL), PL·min-1, and total distance (TD). Acute:chronic workload ratio was calculated for each TL metric: ACWR-based ST (ACWRST), ACWR-based PL (ACWRPL), ACWR-based PL·min-1 (ACWRPLM), and ACWR-based TD (ACWRTD): ACWR = week average TLs/mo average (30 ± 1 days) TLs. Relationships between HRV and ACWR-based each TL metric were evaluated using mixed effects models. Tukey pairwise comparisons were used to examine differences between types of ACWR-based TL metrics. An increase in ACWRST significantly reduced HRV throughout a season (-7.4 ± 3.6 m·s-1; p = 0.04). There were significant differences between ACWRPLM and ACWRST, ACWRPL and ACWRTD at W1, ACWRPLM and ACWRST at W3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ACWRST, ACWRPL, and ACWRTD were significantly different from ACWRPLM. ACWRST was found to significantly predict HRV; higher ACWRST was significantly associated with lower HRV. Therefore, tracking of the ACWR using ST may help to optimize athlete's physiological state throughout a season.

Effects of Off-Season Training on In-Season Training Load and Time Spent in Heart Rate Zones

Maximizing training in and out of season is essential for player development in college soccer. Maintaining and improving aerobic performance has been shown to be successful using high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and vigorous endurance exercise (END). Utilizing HIIT can be as much as half the time commitment, which among Division III who have limited contact time, becomes crucial for success of programs. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of two off season endurance-training protocols on Training Load (TL), as well as time spent in Heart Rate Zone (HRZ) during in season training. METHODS: During off seasons, players (N=19) were randomly assigned to either HIIT or END. The HIIT group performed five maximal 30-sec sprints with 4.5 minutes of recovery, twice per week, and the END group completed a 40-min run at 80% heart-rate reserve twice weekly. VO2max was estimated pre vs post of the 5 week training intervention. Once athletes were in season, data was collected using Polar Team2 system for 6 sessions. TL and time in each of the 5 HRZs were recorded from 50% to 100% HRmax, in 10% increments. RESULTS: During off season, both groups significantly improved their VO2max estimated by the Beep test; however, there was no significance between groups. When examining TL and HRZ during in season training, there were also no significant differences (p>0.05) among groups. Nevertheless, average TL for athletes in the HIIT group (190.27+41.92) was higher than athletes in the END group (180.29+60.70). Additionally, when examining HRZ, athletes in the HIIT group spent a larger percentage of time (39.70%) in 80% HRZ or higher as compared to the END group (35.72%). CONCLUSIONS: Soccer players may improve aerobic performance irrespective of training method thus saving significant time during self-directed off season training among Division III athletes . In-season analysis indicated neither training type impacted TL; however, the HIIT group spent on average an hour more in the 80-100% HRZ.

Subjective well-being and training load predict in-season injury and illness risk in female youth soccer players

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of training load (TL) and well-being on injury and illness risk in youth soccer players.MethodsThroughout a 20-week season, 75 female...

The Influence of In-Season Training Loads on Injury Risk in Professional Rugby Union.

To explore the association between in-season training-load (TL) measures and injury risk in professional rugby union players. This was a 1-season prospective cohort study of 173 professional rugby union players from 4 English Premiership teams. TL (duration × session-RPE) and time-loss injuries were recorded for all players for all pitch- and gym-based sessions. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the association between in-season TL measures and injury in the subsequent week. Injury risk increased linearly with 1-wk loads and week-to-week changes in loads, with a 2-SD increase in these variables (1245 AU and 1069 AU, respectively) associated with odds ratios of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05-2.68) and 1.58 (95% CI 0.98-2.54). When compared with the reference group (<3684 AU), a significant nonlinear effect was evident for 4-wk cumulative loads, with a likely beneficial reduction in injury risk associated with intermediate loads of 5932-8651 AU (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.22-1.38) (this range equates to around 4 wk of average in-season TL) and a likely harmful effect evident for higher loads of >8651 AU (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.98-1.98). Players had an increased risk of injury if they had high 1-wk cumulative loads (1245 AU) or large week-to-week changes in TL (1069 AU). In addition, a U-shaped relationship was observed for 4-wk cumulative loads, with an apparent increase in risk associated with higher loads (>8651 AU). These measures should therefore be monitored to inform injury-risk-reduction strategies.

Physiological Profiles And Training Demands In High-level Female Collegiate Dancers

Little is known about the physical status of high level dancers despite the physical demands placed upon them, which include explosive movements, quick changes in direction, callisthenic movements, and weight bearing interactions with others. Through the development of a physiological profile, more can be understood about the training status of these performers. PURPOSE: To establish a physiological profile of high-level female collegiate dancers through laboratory-based testing and monitor typical training-load associated with their classes. METHODS: College aged female dancers (N=17; Mweight= 59.8 ± 6.6 kg; Mage=19.9± 1.3 yrs ; Mheight=1.6 ± 0.1m) enrolled in a premier university performing arts program were tested over a two-day span to develop a physiological profile. Day 1 consisted of body composition assessment via BODPOD as well as maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT) to assess VO2max and ventilatory threshold (VT) via direct gas exchange. Day 2 consisted of vertical jump (VJ) to assess power and a Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on a cycle ergometer with a load set at 7.5% body mass to assess anaerobic power. Following testing, two classes were monitored for training intensity and energy expenditure using the Polar Team2 Pro System. Dancers were monitored during two typical ballet classes and modern dance classes. RESULTS: The dancers tested had an average body fat percentage of 24.1 ± 4.2 %, and a lean body mass of 46.8± 8.5 kg. The average VO2max was 42.9 ±4.27 (ml O2/kg/min)) with a VT of 76.1 ± 6.5 % of VO2max. The power output from the WAnT was 518.9 ± 177.26 W. Dancers had an average training load of 41.3 ± 17.4 for ballet and 46.3 ± 26.8 for modern dance while expending 400 ± 116.2 kcal and 421.5 ± 149.8 kcal respectively. Approximately 1.3 ± 2.7% of time in ballet and 3.8 ± 7.8 % of time in modern dance was spent at an intensity at or above VT. CONCLUSION: The dancers had a physiological profile that was notably below average compared to female Division I power endurance athletes, with a higher body fat percentage and lower aerobic and anaerobic capacity. These results may shed light on the high injury rate often seen in this population. The low training loads during the typical class suggest that supplemental conditioning would likely be necessary and beneficial both for reducing injury and improving performance.

Analysis of the training load during a hypertrophy-type resistance training programme in men and women

The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty-four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m−2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m−2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8-week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender.

A Longitudinal Case Study of the Training of the 2012 European 1500m Track Champion

The purpose of this study was to present the training of the European 1500 m track champion of 2012. Data from the training diaries were used to describe (a) the average training load (km?week-1), and (b) the distribution of training at different intensities based on his heart rate (HR) as a percentage of maximum heart rate(%HRmax) and on lactate measurements. In 2012, 68.5% of the total training load during the period from January to the middle of March was performed with HR between 65 and 75% of HRmax, 26.1% was performed as anaerobic threshold training, HR 82-92% of HRmaks and 3.8% was performed as aerobic high intensity training, HR 92-97% of HRmax. Only 1.5% was performed as an aerobic training. During the track competition season, the percentage of training performed at low intensity increased to 73% as a result of some training loads at anaerobic threshold pace were replaced by some more intensive aerobic and anaerobic training sessions, requiring a lower training load. High proportion of interval training close to the anaerobic threshold might have led to excellent racing performance for this runner.

The Role of Aerobic Fitness on Session Rating of Perceived Exertion in Futsal Players

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of aerobic fitness (VO2max) on internal training loads, as measured by the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method. Nine male professional outfield futsal players were monitored for 4 wk of the in-season period with regards to the weekly accumulated session-RPE, while participating in the same training sessions. Single-session-RPE was obtained from the product of a 10-point RPE scale and the duration of exercise. Maximal oxygen consumption was determined during an incremental treadmill test. The average training load throughout the 4 wk period varied between 2,876 and 5,035 arbitrary units. Technical-tactical sessions were the predominant source of loading. There was a significant correlation between VO2max (59.6 ± 2.5 mL · kg-1 · min-1) and overall training load accumulated over the total period (r = -0.75). The VO2max plays a key role in determining the magnitude of an individual's perceived exertion during futsal training sessions.

Off seasonal and pre-seasonal assessment of circulating energy sources during prolonged running at the anaerobic threshold in competitive triathletes

Objectives: To compare changes in circulating energy sources during prolonged exercise in off season (OS) and pre-season (PS) training of triathletes. Methods: Nine athletes of the Swiss national triathlon team...