External Training Load Research Articles

The influence of opponent level on professional soccer players’ training and match performance assessed by using wearable sensor technology

PurposeThe study aim was 2-fold: to quantify and compare the weekly external training load that preceded matches; to compare in-match activities depending on the opponent level (top, middle, bottom) in a top-level team from the first professional Asian national league.MethodsThe load for 6 matches played against top-, 11 against middle-, and 11 against bottom-level teams was monitored. With a 15-Hz Global Positioning System, total duration, total distance, high-speed (18–23 km ∙ h<sup>–1</sup>) running distance, sprint (> 23 km ∙ h<sup>–1</sup>) distance, maximal speed, acceleration zone 1 (AccZ1) (< 2 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), AccZ2 (2–4 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), AccZ3 (> 4 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), deceleration zone 1 (DecZ1) (> –2 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), DecZ2 (–2 to –4 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), DecZ3 (< –4 m ∙ s<sup>–2</sup>), player load, and metabolic power were collected in 12 players.ResultsDecZ3 showed higher values against top-level compared with middle- (effect size [<i>ES</i>] = 0.91) and bottom-level opponents (<i>ES</i> = 1.50). The training was significantly longer against middle-level compared with top- and bottom-level opponents (all, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001). Total distance was bigger against middle-level compared with top- (<i>p</i> = 0.011, <i>ES</i> = –0.92) and bottom-level opponents (<i>p</i> = 0.027, <i>ES</i> = 1.50). AccZ2 presented higher values when middle-level came close compared with bottom-level opponents (<i>p</i> = 0.05, <i>ES</i> = 0.79).ConclusionsOpponent’s level influences the load experienced by soccer players during matches. Total distance, highspeed running distance, AccZ1, and AccZ2 exhibited higher training values when a win or a draw approached. Decelerations in all zones were highest in matches against top-level teams.

Comparison of GPS derived variables based on home versus away matches in the Asian professional soccer team

Professional soccer with high training loads is defined with weekly competition. The purpose of this study was to compare external training load data of GPS derived variables that preceded a home versus away match. Twenty-two weeks of a national league meet schedule were analyzed, which included 11 home and 11 away matches. Twelve professional soccer players (age, 28.6 ± 2.7 years; height, 182.1 ± 8.6 cm; BMI, 22.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) participated in this study. All matches were monitored using GPSPORTS systems Pty Ltd. The following variables were selected: total duration of the matches and training sessions, high-speed running distance (18–23 km h−1), sprint distance (>23 km h−1), maximal speed, body load, metabolic power, accelerations Zone1 (<2 m s−2) (AccZ1), accelerations Zone2 (2 –4 m s−2) (AccZ2), accelerations Zone3 (>4 m s−2) (AccZ3), decelerations Zone1 (<−2 m s−2) (DecZ1), decelerations Zone2 (−2 to −4 m s−2) (DecZ2) and decelerations Zone3 (>−4 m s−2) (DecZ3). The results indicated that metabolic power showed higher values at home than away matches [ p = 0.047, ES = 0.53, (−0.28, 1.34)]. Furthermore, there was a higher value in accumulated external training load that preceded away matches for high-speed running and lower value [ p < 0.001, ES = −0.95 (−1.79, −0.10)] for DecZ1 than home matches. In conclusion, external load variables had a higher value in home matches. However, the results showed that high-speed running was higher in away matches, which could be the discretion of the coaches to prepare players for different conditions on the opponent’s field.

Are Measurement Instruments Responsive to Assess Acute Responses to Load in High-Level Youth Soccer Players?

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the short-term responsiveness of measurement instruments aiming at quantifying the acute psycho-physiological response to load in high-level adolescent soccer players.MethodsData were collected from 16 high-level male youth soccer players from the Under 15 age group. Players were assessed on two occasions during the week: after 2 days of load accumulation (“high load”) and after at least 48 h of rest. Measurements consisted of the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS), a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a sub-maximal run to assess exercise heart-rate (HRex) and heart-rate recovery (HRR60s). Training load was quantified using total distance and high-speed running distance to express external and sRPE training load to express internal load. It was expected that good instruments can distinguish reliably between high load and rest.ResultsOdd ratios (0.74–1.73) of rating one unit higher or lower were very low for athlete-reported ratings of stress and recovery of the SRSS. Standardized mean high load vs. rest differences for CMJ parameters were trivial to small (−0.31 to 0.34). The degree of evidence against the null hypothesis that changes are interchangeable ranged from p = 0.04 to p = 0.83. Moderate changes were observed for HRex (−0.62; 90% Cl −0.78 to −0.47; p = 3.24 × 10−9), while small changes were evident for HRR60s (0.45; 90% Cl 0.08–0.80; p = 0.04). Only small to moderate repeated-measures correlations were found between the accumulation of load and acute responses across all measurement instruments. The strongest relationships were observed between HRex and total distance (rm-r = −0.48; 90% Cl −0.76 to −0.25).ConclusionResults suggest that most of the investigated measurement instruments to assess acute psycho-physiological responses in adolescent soccer players have limited short-term responsiveness. This questions their potential usefulness to detect meaningful changes and manage subsequent training load and program adequate recovery.

The Relationship Between Relative External Training Load and Sports Injury in Collegiate Football Players

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between relative training load and non-contact injuries in collegiate football players.METHODS: Eleven players were enrolled in this study. During sports competitions, data were collected using global positioning system (GPS) units (10 Hz), and information on sport-related injuries of the lower extremities was recorded. The acute-to-chronic workload ratio (ACWR) of total distance covered, high-intensity distance (≥18 km/hours), sprint distance (≥21 km/hours) and bouts, work-torest ratio, and acceleration-deceleration bouts were calculated. Data were evenly split into quartiles, with the lowest ACWR range used as a reference group. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the injury risk at a given ACWR of each GPS variable, using a logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Six players experienced nine injuries, yielding an incidence of 132.93 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures. Based on ACWR values, the highest risk of injury was most associated with total distance covered, followed by high-intensity distance, and sprint bouts. The lowest risk of injury was associated with sprint distance, which yielded a lower injury risk than that in the reference group.CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows the need for continued monitoring of in-game athlete performance in preventing non-contact sportrelated injuries in football players.

Study of three intervention programs for the teaching of basketball at school ages.

The design of learning tasks in invasion sports is linked to teaching-learning methodologies. The quantitative objective of the study was to analyze the differences and similarities of three intervention programs based on different methodologies, Tactical Games Approach (TGA), Direct Instruction (DI) and Service Teacher's Basketball Unit (STBU) for teaching of school basketball, 148 tasks were analyzed. The qualitative objective was to analyze the decisions made by the teacher during the planning. The pedagogical variables and external training load (eTL) registered in the Comprehensive Training Task Analysis System (SIATE) were analyzed. The intervention programs were compared using the Chi-Square, Kruskal-wallis H statistical tests and the corrected standardized residuals (RTC). Likewise, the association strength of the variables was calculated using Cramer's V coefficients and Epsilon Square. The results indicated similarities between the DI program and the STBU. The TGA teaching program got the highest mean quantification of eTL and eTL × time. The teacher in the service phase uses characteristics of the Teacher Center Approach (TCA) approach in the design of his didactic unit and does not apply his previous ideas in the elaboration of it.

External training load by accelerometery analysis during pick and roll in male amateur basketball

Accelerations and decelerations appear continuously in basketball. Limit and control how and when they occur and the relation with external load can be very useful.The objective of this study is to determine the type of accelerations and decelerations produced by the offensive players during screens situations. Secondly to determine if there are any relationships between players.389 screens situations (n = 389) were recorded using WIMU PRO® technology and a video camera. Each screen was classified according to six criteria. The following variables were analysed: accelerations 1 m / s² and 2 m / s² (Accel LOW), decelerations -1 m / s² -2 m / s² (Decel LOW), accelerations +2 m / s² (Accel HI), decelerations -2 m / s² (Decel HI), ∑ Accel and Decel LOW (Total LOW), ∑ Accel and Decel HI (Total HI), ∑ Accel and decel LOW and HI (Totals). Subsequently, a normality test and the Krurskal-Wallis non-parametric test was performed.Significant differences (p <0.05) were obtained in all the variables analysed from the position, screen and player criteria. No differences were observed in any of the variables in the exercise, continuation and defense criteria.

Relationships between internal and external training load demands and match load demands in elite women volleyball players

This study investigates the relationships between the internal and external load demands imposed on elite female volleyball players during training and matches. Fourteen elite female world champion volleyball league players participated in this study (mean ± standard deviation (SD); age, 22 ± 0.9 years; height, 195.1 ± 7.6 cm; body mass, 71.4 ± 6.3 kg). The research lasted for 10 months. Moderate positive relationships were found between match load and training load ( r = 0.48) and between high metabolic load distance (HMLD) in matches and HMLD in training ( r = 0.56). There were also strong positive relationships between local positioning system (LPS) recorded jumps in matches and during training (0.61), accelerations in matches and during training ( r = 0.72), and decelerations in matches and during training ( r = 0.68). A weak positive relationship was reported between training accelerations/decelerations and match accelerations/decelerations ( r = 0.28). The relationships between accelerations and decelerations in matches ( r = 0.92) and between accelerations and decelerations during training ( r = 0.90) were very strong. As a result, it is concluded that as the load, HMLD, jumps, accelerations, and decelerations values obtained during training increase, the values obtained in competitions also increase. The results of this study can help sports scientists and coaches understand the relationships between training and competition data obtained from electronic tracking devices.

Effect of Playing Status and Fixture Congestion on Training Load, Mental Fatigue, and Recovery Status in Premier League Academy Goalkeepers.

Abbott, W, Thomas, C, and Clifford, T. Effect of playing status and fixture congestion on training load, mental fatigue, and recovery status in Premier League academy goalkeepers. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 375-382, 2023-Soccer goalkeepers are a unique playing position and require specific programming. Despite this, there is a paucity of information surrounding their support. The current investigation quantified internal and external training loads on and recovery status of starting and substitute academy goalkeepers during 1 and 2 match-weeks. Six professional soccer goalkeepers played the role of starting and substitute goalkeepers during both 1 and 2 match-weeks, providing data for 4 within-subject conditions (START-1, SUB-1, START-2, and SUB-2). Internal and external training load data were collected using ratings of perceived exertion and global positioning systems for all matches and training sessions. Physical and perceived recovery status was also collected daily for all individuals. Training load and recovery variables were analyzed across 4 playing conditions and 4 time points using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results demonstrated significant differences in internal and external weekly training loads and physical and perceived recovery measures between starting and nonstarting goalkeepers. In the training leading up to matches, SUB-1 and SUB-2 had higher internal and external training loads compared with START-1. On a match-day, SUB-1 and SUB-2 performed more high-intensity actions but covered less total and high-speed distance than START-1. Following matches, substitutes had higher volumes of external training loads compared with START-1. The higher training loads experienced by substitutes at various time points resulted in lower physical recovery status on a match-day and post-match. START-1 demonstrated higher mental fatigue and lower well-being compared with substitute goalkeepers after match. The current investigation offers valuable insights for the preparation of professional goalkeepers.

Associations between Training Load and Well-Being in Elite Beach Soccer Players: A Case Report.

The current case study aimed to quantify within-subjects correlations between training load and well-being in elite male beach soccer players. Data were obtained over three consecutive days during the preparation camp for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Russia 2021. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and external training load metrics using global positioning system (GPS) were recorded. Eleven players reported perceived well-being (sleep quality, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress) using a Likert scale (Hooper Index) before breakfast. Within-subjects correlation coefficients between workload and well-being were calculated. Workload metrics and perceived well-being indices were significantly lower on day three than on days one and two. The Hooper Index presented a very large positive correlation with s-RPE (r = 0.86 [0.67, 0.94], 95% confidence interval, CI), exposure time (r = 0.88 [0.71, 0.95]), total distance (r = 0.83 [0.60, 0.93]), high-speed distance (r = 0.77 [0.50, 0.91]), and number of sprints (r = 0.75 [0.47, 0.90]). Sleep quality presented a moderate to large positive correlation with s-RPE (r = 0.51 [0.11, 0.77]), exposure time (r = 0.50 [0.10, 0.76]), high-speed distance (r = 0.53 [0.15, 0.78]), number of sprints (r = 0.62 [0.28, 0.83]) and total distance (r = 0.41 [0.18, 0.78]). Fatigue presented a large to very large positive correlation with s-RPE (r = 0.85 [0.66, 0.94]), exposure time (r = 0.90 [0.78, 0.96]), total distance (r = 0.86 [0.68, 0.94]), high-speed distance (r = 0.65 [0.31, 0.84]) and number of sprints (r = 0.56 [0.18, 0.79]). Muscle soreness presented a large to very large positive correlation with s-RPE (r = 0.79 [0.56, 0.91]), exposure time (r = 0.83 [0.62, 0.93]), total distance (r = 0.81 [0.59, 0.92]), high-speed distance (r = 0.75 [0.47, 0.89]) and number of sprints (r = 0.59 [0.22, 0.81]). Overall, workload presented a meaningful correlation with perceived well-being indices in elite male beach soccer players during a training camp. These findings suggest that workload metrics and perceived well-being indices can be implemented into the daily routine of an elite beach soccer team, which may assist coaches, sports scientists, and practitioners in better preparing players for beach soccer competitions.

The association between training load and physical development in professional male youth soccer players: a systematic review

Objectives 1) To evaluate current physical performance tests used within professional male youth soccer; 2) to understand the relationship of these tests performance in relation to specific measures of external and internal training load (TL) to conclude if there is a subsequent change in test performance. Methods Relevant literature was searched using five electronic databases (PubMed Medline, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus), with additional articles identified by the authors. Articles relating to TL and physical development assessment within professional male youth soccer players were evaluated. Results Database searches yielded 5683 articles following removal of duplicates. After screening the titles, abstracts and full texts, 28 articles were identified. Both external TL (total distance, high speed distance, duration) and internal TL (rating of perceived exertion, training impulse) measures were found to be associated with improvements in physical test performance across both pre-season and in-season phases. Field-based testing was found to be sensitive to changes in physical performance for aerobic capacity, lower body power/strength and sprint performance. However, limited sensitivity to change was found when assessing player agility performance. Conclusion Future research in this area should look to enhance our understanding of the dose-response of TL with changes in fitness across different age groups in professional male youth soccer.

Relationships Between Internal and External Load Measures and Fitness Level Changes in Professional Soccer Players

ABSTRACT Purpose: Understanding the dose-response relationship between internal and external training load with changes in aerobic fitness and intermittent running capacity, during different periods of the season, may help in optimizing training process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dose-response relationships between load measures and changes in aerobic fitness and intermittent running capacity among a large cohort of professional soccer players. Methods: Training load, aerobic fitness and intermittent running capacity of 52 male adult professional players from 3 elite teams were monitored across an entire season and analyzed employing linear mixed models, with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results: Relationships between load measures (training and match duration, sRPE-TL, total distance, high and very high-speed running distances) and changes in physical qualities were stronger during the preparation period (PREP) for both aerobic fitness (d= 0.48 to 0.76, p<0.031) and intermittent running capacity (d= 0.46 to 1.89, p<0.046). The magnitude of the relationships reduced during the first competitive period (d= 0.43 to 0.56) and the relationships became trivial in the second competitive period (d= 0.06 to 0.41, p= 0.063 to 0.846). Conclusion: The moderate to large relationships found between all measures of load and changes in physical capacities suggest that training prescription during the PREP was effective in improving players’ fitness. During the competitive phase small changes in aerobic and intermittent running capacities were found, highlighting that coaching staff pursue different aims during the competitive period, such as technical and tactical training and recovery.

Effects of Chronological Age, Relative Age, and Maturation Status on Accumulated Training Load and Perceived Exertion in Young Sub-Elite Football Players.

The aims of this study were 1) to analyze the influence of chronological age, relative age, and biological maturation on accumulated training load and perceived exertion in young sub-elite football players and 2) to understand the interaction effects amongst age grouping, maturation status, and birth quartiles on accumulated training load and perceived exertion in this target population. A 6-week period (18 training sessions and 324 observation cases) concerning 60 young male sub-elite football players grouped into relative age (Q1 to Q4), age group (U15, U17, and U19), and maturation status (Pre-peak height velocity (PHV), Mid-PHV, and Post-PHV) was established. External training load data were collected using 18 Hz global positioning system technology (GPS), heart-rate measures by a 1 Hz short-range telemetry system, and perceived exertion with total quality recovery (TQR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). U17 players and U15 players were 2.35 (95% CI: 1.25–4.51) and 1.60 (95% CI: 0.19–4.33) times more likely to pertain to Q1 and Q3, respectively. A negative magnitude for odds ratio was found in all four quartile comparisons within maturation status (95% CI: 6.72–0.64), except for Mid-PHV on Q2 (95% CI: 0.19–4.33). Between- and within-subject analysis reported significant differences in all variables on age group comparison measures (F = 0.439 to 26.636, p = 0.000 to 0.019, η2 = 0.003–0.037), except for dynamic stress load (DSL). Between-subject analysis on maturity status comparison demonstrated significant differences for all training load measures (F = 6.593 to 14.424, p = 0.000 to 0.037, η2 = 0.020–0.092). Interaction effects were found for age group x maturity band x relative age (Λ Pillai’s = 0.391, Λ Wilk’s = 0.609, F = 11.385, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.391) and maturity band x relative age (Λ Pillai’s = 0.252, Λ Wilk’s = 0.769, F = 0.955, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.112). Current research has confirmed the effects of chronological age, relative age, and biological maturation on accumulated training load. Perceived exertion does not seem to show any differences concerning age group or maturity status. Evidence should be helpful for professionals to optimize the training process and young football players’ performance.

Heart rate variability, mood and performance: a pilot study on the interrelation of these variables in amateur road cyclists.

ObjectiveThe present study seeks to explore the relationship between measures of cycling training on a given day and the heart rate variability (HRV) and mood states obtained the following morning. The association between HRV and mood state is also studied, as is the relationship between internal and external measures of training.MethodsDuring a 6-week period, five recreational road cyclists collected 123 recordings of morning HRV and morning mood, and 66 recordings of training power and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Training power was used as an external measure of performance and RPE as an internal measure of performance. The HRV parameters used in the study were the mean of RR intervals (mean RR) and the standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) as time domain analysis, and the normalized high frequency band (HFnu), normalized low frequency band (LFnu) and the ratio between low and high frequency bands, as frequency domain analysis. Mood was measured using a 10-point cognitive scale.ResultsIt was found that the higher the training power on a given day, the lower the HFnu and the higher LF/HF were on the following morning. At the same time, results showed an inverse relationship between training and mood, so the tougher a training session, the lower the mood the following day. A relationship between morning HRV and mood was also found, so that the higher mean RR and HFnu, the more positive the mood (r = 0.497 and r = 0.420 respectively; p < 0.001). Finally, RPE correlated positively with external power load variables (IF: r = 0.545; p < 0.001).ConclusionAltogether, the results indicate a relationship between training of cyclists on a given day and their morning HRV and mood state on the following day. Mood and HRV also seem positively related. It is argued that developing a monitoring system that considers external and internal training loads, together with morning mood, could help understand the state of the individual, enabling feedback to athletes to facilitate the adaptation to training and to prevent problems associated with overtraining. However, more research is needed to further understand the association between the different variables considered.

Effects of Gradient and Speed on Uphill Running Gait Variability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradient and speed on running variability (RV) and local dynamic stability (LDS) during uphill running. (1) Both gradient and speed increase metabolic effort, in terms of heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (CR10), in line with the contemporary literature, and (2) gradient increases RV and impairs LDS. "Crossover" observational design. Level 3. A total of 25 runners completed 10-minute running trials in 3 different conditions and in a randomized order: gradient at 0% (0CON), 2% (2CON), and 2% at isoefficiency speed (2IES). 0CON and 2CON speeds were calculated as the "best 10-km race performance" minus 1 km·h-1, whereas 2IES speed was adjusted to induce the same metabolic expenditure as 0CON. HR and perceived exertion as well as running kinematic variables were collected across all trials and conditions. Running variability was calculated as the standard deviation of the mean stride-to-stride intervals over 100 strides, while LDS was expressed by the Lyapunov exponent (LyE) determined on running cycle time over different running conditions. Increases in HR and CR10 were observed between 0CON and 2CON (P < 0.001) and between 2IES and 2CON (P < 0.01). Higher RV was found in 2CON compared with 0CON and 2IES (both P < 0.001). Finally, the largest LyE was observed in 2IES compared with 0CON and 2CON (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Whereas RV seems to be dependent more on metabolic effort, LDS is affected by gradient to a greater extent. Running variability could be used to monitor external training load in marathon runners.

External Match Load in Amateur Soccer: The Influence of Match Location and Championship Phase.

Assessment of the physical dimension implicit in the soccer match is crucial for the improvement and individualization of training load management. This study aims to: (a) describe the external match load at the amateur level, (b) analyze the differences between playing positions, (c) verify whether the home/away matches and if (d) the phase (first or second) of the championship influence the external load. Twenty amateur soccer players (21.5 ± 1.9 years) were monitored using the global positioning system. The external load was assessed in 23 matches, where 13 were part of the first phase of the competition (seven home and six away matches) and the other 10 matches belonged to the second (and final) phase of the championship (five home and five away matches). A total of 173 individual match observations were analyzed. The results showed significant differences between playing positions for all the external load measures (p < 0.001). There were higher values observed in the total distance covered for central defenders (p = 0.037; ES = 0.70) and in high-intensity decelerations for forwards (p = 0.022; ES = 1.77) in home matches than in away matches. There were higher values observed in the total distance (p = 0.026; ES = 0.76), relative distance (p = 0.016; ES = 0.85), and moderate-intensity accelerations (p = 0.008; ES = 0.93) for central defenders, in very high-speed running distance for forwards (p = 0.011; ES = 1.97), and in high-intensity accelerations (p = 0.036; ES = 0.89) and moderate-intensity decelerations (p = 0.006; ES = 1.11) for wide midfielders in the first phase than in the second phase of the championship. Match location and championship phase do not appear to be major contributing factors to influence the external load while the playing position should be used as the major reference for planning the external training load.

Profiling the Aerobic Window of Horses in Response to Training by Means of a Modified Lactate Minimum Speed Test: Flatten the Curve.

There is a great need for objective external training load prescription and performance capacity evaluation in equestrian disciplines. Therefore, reliable standardised exercise tests (SETs) are needed. Classic SETs require maximum intensities with associated risks to deduce training loads from pre-described cut-off values. The lactate minimum speed (LMS) test could be a valuable alternative. Our aim was to compare new performance parameters of a modified LMS-test with those of an incremental SET, to assess the effect of training on LMS-test parameters and curve-shape, and to identify the optimal mathematical approach for LMS-curve parameters. Six untrained standardbred mares (3–4 years) performed a SET and LMS-test at the start and end of the 8-week harness training. The SET-protocol contains 5 increments (4 km/h; 3 min/step). The LMS-test started with a 3-min trot at 36–40 km/h [until blood lactate (BL) > 5 mmol/L] followed by 8 incremental steps (2 km/h; 3 min/step). The maximum lactate steady state estimation (MLSS) entailed >10 km run at the LMS and 110% LMS. The GPS, heartrate (Polar®), and blood lactate (BL) were monitored and plotted. Curve-parameters (R core team, 3.6.0) were (SET) VLa1.5/2/4 and (LMS-test) area under the curve (AUC>/<LMS), LMS and Aerobic Window (AW) via angular vs. threshold method. Statistics for comparison: a paired t-test was applied, except for LMS: paired Wilcoxon test; (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation (r > 0.80), Bland-Altman method, and ordinary least products (OLP) regression analyses were determined for test-correlation and concordance. Training induced a significant increase in VLa1.5/2/4. The width of the AW increased significantly while the AUC</>LMS and LMS decreased post-training (flattening U-curve). The LMS BL steady-state is reached earlier and maintained longer after training. BLmax was significantly lower for LMS vs. SET. The 40° angular method is the optimal approach. The correlation between LMS and VMLSS was significantly better compared to the SET. The VLa4 is unreliable for equine aerobic capacity assessment. The LMS-test allows more reliable individual performance capacity assessment at lower speed and BL compared to SETs. The LMS-test protocol can be further adapted, especially post-training; however, inducing modest hyperlactatemia prior to the incremental LMS-stages and omitting inclusion of a per-test recovery contributes to its robustness. This LMS-test is a promising tool for the development of tailored training programmes based on the AW, respecting animal welfare.

Variations in Internal and External Training Load Measures and Neuromuscular Performance of Professional Soccer Players During a Preseason Training Period.

We described the internal and external training loads (TLs) experienced by soccer players over a 4-week preseason, examined their effects on vertical jump (VJ) performance, and investigated the relationships between different TL variables. Eighteen professional soccer players performed 17 training sessions and 1 friendly-match (FM) over the preseason. The internal TL was obtained using the session-rating of perceived exertion method. The external TL variables collected were total and high-intensity distances, body-load, and high-metabolic power distance via the GPS system. VJ performance was assessed 13 times throughout the study. Moreover, total quality recovery and delayed onset muscle soreness were assessed before every training session as a measure of recovery status. Players were divided, using a median split analysis, into two groups, according to their VJ performance (i.e., “lower” and “higher” VJ). External TL variables displayed similar variations across training sessions and were significantly interrelated (r ranging from 0.48 to 0.88). In periods where higher internal TLs were detected, impaired recovery status was noticed. Notably, the higher VJ group exhibited decreased jump performance at post-test and higher internal and external TLs across the entire preseason (compared to the lower VJ group). From our results it is suggested that professional soccer players with higher VJ performance are potentially more susceptible to concurrent training effects.

The impact of matches and travel on rugby players' sleep, wellness and training.

Matches and travel, which are common in professional team sports, may have a negative impact on players. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact on sleep, wellness and training of Super Rugby players. Sleep of 122 players from four teams was monitored using activity monitors for up to three nights before and after matches played at home and overseas. Wellness and internal training load (questionnaires) and external training load (GPS/accelerometer) were also recorded. Separate analyses were performed for each team using a general linear mixed model to estimate the mean effects of travel (translocation overseas and return to the home country) on sleep, wellness and training. The mean effects of matches on sleep and wellness on the nights before, of and after matches. were also estimated. Teams generally experienced small to large reductions in sleep and wellness when overseas; on return, sleep and wellness recovered somewhat. The impact of matches on sleep and wellness differed in magnitude and direction (large reductions to small increases) between teams. External load overseas and upon return was reduced for three of the four teams, whilst internal load was reduced for the three teams that measured it. The changes in sleep, wellness and training can be explained by a combination of travel- and match-related stressors that differed between teams. Teams should consider remediation strategies to mitigate the effects of travel.

Weekly Training Load in Elite Male Ice Hockey: Practice Versus Competition Demands.

The aim of this study was to compare training load (TL) between practice and games across in-season microcycles in elite Danish male ice hockey. Practice sessions and game data were collected using a wearable 200-Hz accelerometer, heart rate (HR) recording, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) throughout 23 practice sessions and 8 competitive games (n = 427 files) and examined in relation to the number of days before the game (game day minus). Total accelerations, accelerations >2m·s-2 (Acc2), total decelerations, decelerations less than -2m·s-2 (Dec2), time >85% maximum heart rate (t85HRmax), Edwards TL, modified training impulse (TRIMPMOD), session-RPE, peak HR (HRpeak), and RPE were greater during competition than during practice (r = .19-.91; P < .05), whereas total accelerations per minute and total decelerations per minute were lower (r = .27-.36; P < .001). Acc2, t85HRmax, Edwards TL and TRIMPMOD, % t85HRmax, mean HR (HRmean), and RPE progressively decreased toward game day (r = .13-.63; P < .001). Positive correlations were found between Acc2, Dec2, Acc2 per minute, and Dec2 per minute during practice and during competition (r = .66-.84; P < .001). Evident within-week decreases in internal TL but not external TL were observed as the game day approached. Day-to-day variations were more pronounced in HR- and RPE-based parameters than accelerations and decelerations. Finally, the amount of intense accelerations and decelerations performed during practice was associated to the amount performed during competition, whereas physiological and perceptual demands showed no such relationship.

Quantification of Respiratory and Muscular Perceived Exertions as Perceived Measures of Internal Loads During Domestic and Overseas Training Camps in Elite Futsal Players.

BackgroundThe rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales with respiratory and muscular illustrations are recognized as simple and practical methods to understand individual psychometric characteristics in breathing and muscle exertion during exercise. However, the implementation of respiratory and muscular RPE to quantify training load in futsal training camps has not been examined. This study investigates respiratory and muscular RPE relationships during domestic training camps (DTC) and overseas training camps (OTC) in an under 20 futsal national team.MethodsData collected from eleven field players were used for comparison in this study (age = 18.7 ± 0.7 years, height = 171.9 ± 6.1 cm, body weight = 64.2 ± 8.4 kg). All players reported Borg CR10 RPE (RPECR10) and 7-scales respiratory RPE (RPErespiration) and muscular RPE (RPEmuscle) (Dalhousie pictorial scales) after training sessions and matches. Additionally, total distance covered (TD) and training impulse (TRIMP) were used to quantify external and internal loads via the Polar Team Pro system. Paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the RPECR10, RPErespiration, RPEmuscle, TD, and TRIMP between DTC and OTC. Furthermore, linear regression was performed to determine the relationships among all RPE scales, TD, and TRIMP.ResultsThe RPECR10 (p = 0.047), TD (p < 0.001), and TRIMP (p < 0.001) showed significant difference between DTC and OTC. Furthermore, linear regression analyses showed significant correlation between RPErespiration and RPEmuscle (DTC: r = 0.857, p = 0.006; OTC: r = 0.924, p < 0.001), RPECR10 and RPErespiration (DTC: r = 0.857, p = 0.001; OTC: r = 0.863, p = 0.001), and RPECR10 and RPEmuscle (DTC: r = 0.906, p < 0.001; OTC: r = 0.900, p < 0.001).ConclusionPictorial RPErespiration or RPEmuscle can be used as an alternative to quantify perceived measures of internal loads during DTC and OTC in futsal players. Interpretation of perceived measures of training load and cardiac-related responses in association with external training loads during short-term training camps would be useful in further understanding the demands of futsal players’ experience in these circumstances.