Analysis of different training load monitoring methods in youth women handball players

This study examined the association between different methods for training load (TL) monitoring during youth handball training. Distance covered, heart rate and session rating of perceived exertion [SRPE] were recorded during 12 training sessions in 14 youth women handball athletes (16.9±1.1 years). Internal load models based on SRPE and Edwards’ Trimp were calculated. An oscillatory feature was observed for the three methods of TL assessment (SRPE: 383±159 A.U., Edwards’ Trimp: 252±71 A.U., total distance: 3997±1291 m). A large correlation was found between Edwards’ Trimp and distance covered (r=0.59). A moderate correlation was observed for Edwards’ Trimp vs. SRPE (r=0.36), and between SRPE vs. distance covered (r=0.49). Shared variances of 13–35% were observed between TL methods comparisons. The results suggest that different constructs seem to be measured by each load model. Additionally, SRPE is a simple and low-cost method that might be used for TL monitoring in handball. (AU)

Training-Load Management in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Practices and Perceptions of Coaches, Medical Staff, and Gymnasts.

PURPOSE: This study described and analyzed practices and perceptions of rhythmic gymnastics coaches, medical staff, and athletes on training-load management. METHODS: Online surveys were distributed among professionals and gymnasts involved in rhythmic gymnastics training across the world. One hundred (50 coaches, 12 medical staff, and 38 gymnasts) participants from 25 different countries completed the surveys. RESULTS: Respondents stated using coaches' perception on a daily basis as a method of monitoring external (57%) and internal (58%) load, recovery/fatigue (52%), and performance (64%). Variables and methods (eg, wearable devices, athlete self-reported measures, session rating of perceived exertion), and metrics (eg, acute and chronic load) commonly reported in the training-load literature and other sports were not frequently used in rhythmic gymnastics. The majority of coaches (60.3% [17%]) perceived that maladaptation rarely or never occurred. Medical staff involvement in sharing and discussing training-load information was limited, and they perceived that the measurement of athletes' recovery/fatigue was poor. Gymnasts noted good quality in relation to the measurement of performance. Most participants (≥85%) believed that a specific training-load management model for rhythmic gymnastics could be very or extremely effective. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, rhythmic gymnastics coaches' perception is the most commonly used strategy to monitor load, recovery/fatigue, and performance; although, this could be a limited method to guarantee effective training-load management in this sport.

Is skin temperature associated with muscle recovery status following a single bout of leg press?

Objective. The measurement of skin temperature using infrared thermography has gained a lot of attention in sport and science since it might be related to the recovery process following high intensity, potentially damaging exercise. This study investigated the time course of the skin temperature response and the muscle recovery status following a resistance training session involving leg press exercise.Approach. Fourteen young male college students (19.9 ± 1.7 years, 176 ± 6 cm, 66.1 ± 7.6 kg, 21.1 ± 1.8 kg.m-2) performed one session involving 10 sets, of 10 repetition maximum each (RM), of unilateral leg press 45° exercise, performed to momentary muscle failure, with 2 min rest between sets. Perceived recovery, mean and maximum thigh skin temperatures, thigh muscle thickness, maximal isometric strength, muscle soreness, and horizontal jump performance were measured pre, 24, 48, and 72 h following exercise.Main results. The exercise protocol resulted in significant reduction in isometric strength, horizontal jump performance, and perceived recovery (p < 0.05). There was also a significant (p < 0.05) increase in muscle thickness and muscle soreness. With exception of jump performance, that recovered at 48 (p > 0.05), recovery parameters did not recover up to 72 h post-exercise (p > 0.05). Surprisingly, skin temperatures were not altered throughout the entire 72 h post-exercise period (p > 0.05). No significant positive correlation was found between skin temperatures and muscle thickness. Additionally, only one out of 16 correlation coefficients showed significant (r = -0.56,p = 0.036) inverse association between skin temperature and isometric strength.Significance. In conclusion, thigh skin temperature remains unaffected up to 72 h following a leg press exercise, and the time course response of thigh skin temperature was not associated with recovery status.

Training Load and Recovery in Volleyball During a Competitive Season.

ABSTRACT: Andrade, DM, Fernandes, G, Miranda, R, Reis Coimbra, D, and Bara Filho, MG. Training load and recovery in volleyball during a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1082-1088, 2021-The objective of this study was to analyze the training load (TL) and recovery status (RS) of a volleyball team in different periods of the season. Fifteen male athletes participated in the study. Training load was quantified through the rate of perceived exertion of session. The total weekly TL of the preparatory period (PP), competitive period I (CPI), and competitive period II (CPII) was calculated. Total quality recovery was used to evaluate the initial and final RS. Training load was higher (p < 0.05) in PP than in CPI and CPII. The final RS was lower (p < 0.05) in PP than in CPI and CPII. There was a difference (p < 0.05) between the initial and final RS in the analyzed periods. An inverse correlation (ρ: -0.62) was observed between the TL and the initial and final difference RS in PP. In conclusion, PP in volleyball presented the highest TL, related to a greater difference between the initial and final RS.

Technical and Tactical Training Load in Professional Volleyball Players.

PURPOSE: To analyze the technical and tactical training load in professional volleyball players, using subjective internal training load (session rating of perceived exertion  [SRPE]) and objective internal training load (training impulse of the heart rate [HR]) and the relationship between them. METHODS: The sample was composed of 15 male professional volleyball players. They were monitored during 37 training sessions that included both technical (n = 23) and tactical (n = 14) training. Technical and training load was calculated using SRPE and training impulse of the HR. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the methods in tactical (r = .616) and technical training (r = -.414). Furthermore, it was noted that technical training occurs up to 80% of HRmax (zone 3) and tactical training between 70% and 90% of HRmax (zones 3-4). CONCLUSIONS: The training impulse of the HR method has proved to be effective for training-load control during tactical training. However, it was limited compared with technical training. Thus, the use of SRPE is presented as a more reliable method in the different types of technical training in volleyball.

Training Load, Physical Performance, Biochemical Markers, and Psychological Stress During a Short Preparatory Period in Brazilian Elite Male Volleyball Players.

Horta, TAG, Bara Filho, MG, Coimbra, DR, Miranda, R, and Werneck, FZ. Training load, physical performance, biochemical markers, and psychological stress during a short preparatory period in Brazilian elite male volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3392-3399, 2019-The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between training load (TL) and physical performance, biochemical markers, and psychological stress during a short preparatory period (SPP) in Brazilian elite male volleyball players. Twelve volleyball players from a team competing in the Brazilian Men's Volleyball Super League were enrolled (26.9 ± 4.6 years). Countermovement jump (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (Cr), T/Cr ratio, and Recovery and Stress Questionnaire for athletes (RESTQ-Sport) were collected at baseline, after second, fourth, and sixth week. Training load was quantified daily using the rating of perceived exertion. Differences were noted between total weekly training load (TWTL) (F3,33 = 50.907; p = 0.0001), CK (F3,33 = 16.157; p = 0.0001), and T (F3,33 = 3.283; p = 0.03). No differences were seen in CMJ (F3,33 = 1.821; p = 0.16), Cr (F3,33 = 2.409; p = 0.08), or T/Cr ratio (F3,33 = 1.527; p = 0.23). The RESTQ-Sport demonstrated differences between moments in social stress (F3,33 = 2.297; p = 0.04; η = 0.25), success (F3,33 = 4.350; p = 0.01; η = 0.19), general well-being (F3,33 = 4.465; p = 0.01; η = 0.36), and injury (F3,33 = 2.792; p = 0.05; η = 0.62). The results showed a significant correlations of small to moderate magnitude between TWTL and CK (r = 0.32; p = 0.05). In conclusion, a short PP in volleyball leads to increased TL, CK level, and psychological stress. Training load was related with the increase of CK, suggesting muscle damage without increased physical performance.

Effect of Cold Water Immersion Performed on Successive Days on Physical Performance, Muscle Damage, and Inflammatory, Hormonal, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Volleyball Players.

de Freitas, VH, Ramos, SP, Bara-Filho, MG, Freitas, DGS, Coimbra, DR, Cecchini, R, Guarnier, FA, and Nakamura, FY. Effect of cold water immersion performed on successive days on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 502-513, 2019-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily cold water immersion (CWI) on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball. Six players were submitted to CWI and six players to a placebo, during 5 training days. Thigh circumference, squat jump, and agility were measured on the first, third, and sixth days. On the first and sixth days, blood and saliva were collected for analysis of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory and hormonal levels. Muscle soreness and countermovement jump were quantified daily. The physical performance comparisons did not present differences and the only between group comparison with a large effect size (ES = -1.39) was in Δ% between day 1 and day 2 for countermovement jump. Delayed onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase increased in both groups and the ESs of between group comparisons of Δ% between moments were not more than moderate. Thigh circumference increased only in the placebo group (p = 0.04) and the ES of the between group comparisons of Δ% between moments was large (1.53). No differences were found in oxidative stress, or inflammatory markers. Cortisol decreased only in the CWI-group (p ≤ 0.05) and the ESs of the between group comparisons of Δ% between moments of the testosterone to cortisol ratio (-1.94) and insulin-like growth-1 (-1.34) were large. Despite the positive effects of daily CWI on muscle edema and hormonal status, the limited effects of CWI on performance, muscle damage, inflammation markers, and reactive oxygen species mediators signal the unimportance of the daily practice of this recovery method in volleyball players.

Monitoring Training Load, Recovery, and Performance of Brazilian Professional Volleyball Players During a Season.

PURPOSE: To describe and analyze the distribution of internal training load (ITL), recovery, and physical performance of professional volleyball players throughout 1 season. METHODS: Fifteen male professional Brazilian volleyball players participated in this study. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Total Quality Recovery (TQR) score were collected daily for 36 wk. s-RPE was collected after each training session, and TQR, before the first session of the day. The sum of the ITL of each session during the week, training monotony, strain, acute∶chronic workload ratio, match difficulty score, and average of the TQR scores were recorded for the analysis. In addition, the athletes performed countermovement-jump (CMJ) tests with and without the use of the arms 4 times over the season. RESULTS: The season mean weekly ITL was 3733 (1228) AU and the TQR was 15.02 (0.71). The ITL and recovery demonstrated undulating dynamics over the 36 wk, with higher weekly ITL in the preparatory periods (F = 50.32; P < .001) and worse recovery during the main competition (F = 6.47; P = .004). Negative correlations were found between TQR and ITL variables (P < .05). There was improvement and maintenance in CMJ tests without (F = 11.88; P < .001) and with (F = 16.02; P < .001) the use of the arms after the preparatory periods. CONCLUSIONS: The ITL variables, recovery, and physical performance changed significantly throughout a professional volleyball season. Despite the decrease in ITL during the main competitive period, the correct distribution of weekly ITL seems to be very important to guarantee the best recovery of athletes.

Match internal load in youth elite soccer players is period, playing position and intermittent running capacity dependent

The aims of this study were: i) to verify whether player internal load (PIL) monitored via heart rate (HR) varies with game-time and playing position; ii) whether intermittent running capacity (IRC) is related to the maintenance of within-match PIL in elite youth (U-15) soccer players. Method: Twenty-one elite soccer players (14±0.5 yrs, 172±7 cm, 63±6 kg) had their heart rate monitored (beats/min) in five matches and were tested twice for IRC (Yo-YoIR2, distance [m]) over a seven-week competitive season. Percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and time spent (TS%) in five zones (Z1[<70%]; Z2[71-85%]; Z3[86-90%]; Z4[91-95%] and Z5[>96%]) were our PIL indexes. Data from three complete games in the same position of each player were analyzed and matches halves, time intervals (T1 to T6), and playing positions (fullbacks, central defenders and forwards [N=5 each], midfielders [N=6]) were compared, and the relationship between IRC and within-match PIL was determined. Results: PIL was higher in 1st (86±3%) than in the 2nd half (84±4%; p<.001). The 2nd half had more TS% in Z1 and Z2 (p<.05). PIL in T4 was the lowest (p<.01), and in T6, it was lower than T1 and T2 (p<.01). Fullbacks and midfielders showed higher PIL and higher TS% in Z4 (p<.05) than the other positional roles. The average IRC correlated with PIL in T6 (r=.56, p<.01) only. Conclusion: In conclusion, the internal load in elite youth (U-15) soccer players varies with game-time and playing position; and their IRC is related to the maintenance of within-match PIL.(AU)

Seasonal Training Load Distribution of Professional Futsal Players: Effects on Physical Fitness, Muscle Damage and Hormonal Status.

The aims of the present study were to describe the training load (TL) distribution of a professional futsal team and verify its subsequent effects on physical performance, muscle damage, and hormonal status. Twelve male professional futsal players (24.3 ± 4.7 years old; 75.5 ± 7.7 kg; and 173.4 ± 4.5 cm) participated in this study. A training program of 22 weeks (6 weeks of pre-season and 16 weeks of in-season) was analyzed. The session rating of perceived exertion method was used to monitor TLs. Physical tests (PTs; countermovement jump (CMJ), 5- and 20-m sprint, T-test, and multistage 20-m shuttle-run tests) were performed 4 times throughout the season (PT1-PT4). Blood sample (BS) collection (Creatine kinase [CK], testosterone, and cortisol) was performed in 7 occasions (BS1-BS7). TLs were higher in pre-season compared to in-season (p < 0.001). Countermovement jumps (CMJs) and 5- and 20-m performances were better in PT3 (CMJ: 0/23/77, 5-m: 0/3/97, and 20-m: 0/1/99) and PT4 (CMJ: 0/8/92, 5- and 20-m: 0/0/100) than in PT1; T-test performance and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was better in all moments compared with those of PT1 (0/0/100). Higher CK concentration (p = 0.03) and testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio values (p = 0.02) were detected in BS2 vs. BS1. An increase in C (p = 0.007) and a decrease in T:C ratio (p = 0.003) was observed from BS4 to BS5. The training program demonstrated higher TLs during the periods with low incidence of matches, emphasis on endurance and strength training during pre-season, speed and power training throughout in-season. This TL organization provides sufficient stimulus for appropriate physical fitness development in professional futsal players, without causing negative disturbances.

Sensitivity of physiological and psychological markers to training load intensification in volleyball players.

The aim of this study was to test the sensitivity of; performance in the countermovement vertical Jump (CMJ); the Recovery and Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport); the Total Quality Recovery Scale (TQR) and the creatine kinase (CK) to the deliberate intensification of volleyball training loads. For this purpose 8 athletes underwent a training period (FP) of 11 days of deliberate training load (TL) intensification followed by a second period (SP) of 14 days of reduction of loads (IT group). A further 8 athletes continued training with normal TL (NT group). Both groups were tested before the FP (baseline), after the FP and after the SP. The TL evaluated using the session rating of perceived exertion method (session-RPE) was higher after the FP compared to the SP, and higher in the IT group, compared to the NT group. The CMJ did not change in either group (p > 0.05). In the IT group, the RESTQ-Sport was altered after the FP compared to both the baseline and the SP (p < 0.05), while no change was observed in the NT group. In the IT group, the CK increased and the TQR decreased after the FP compared to both the baseline and after the SP and were higher and lower, respectively, than the NT group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that performance in the CMJ is not a sensitive variable to the fatigue caused by intensification of training loads during a pre-competitive period in volleyball, whereas CK, TQR and RESTQ-Sport were shown to be sensitive measures. Key PointsThe RESTQ-Sport and the TQR scales were sensitive to deliberate intensification of training loads during the pre-competitive period in volleyball athletes;The CK can be used to complement this monitoring;The CMJ performance was not sensitive to deliberate intensification of training loads in volleyball athletes.

Pre-game hydration status, sweat loss, and fluid intake in elite Brazilian young male soccer players during competition.

In this study, we assessed the pre-game hydration status and fluid balance of elite young soccer players competing in a match played in the heat (temperature 31.0 ± 2.0 ° C, relative humidity 48.0 ± 5.0%) for an official Brazilian soccer competition. Fluid intake was measured during the match, as were urine specific gravity and body mass before and after the game to estimate hydration status. Data were obtained from 15 male players (age 17.0 ± 0.6 years, height 1.78 ± 0.06 m, mass 65.3 ± 3.8 kg); however, data are only analysed for 10 players who completed the full game. The mean (± s) sweat loss of players amounted to 2.24 ± 0.63 L, and mean fluid intake was 1.12 ± 0.39 L. Pre-game urine specific gravity was 1.021 ± 0.004, ranging from 1.010 to 1.025. There was no significant correlation between sweat loss and fluid intake (r = 0.504, P = 0.137) or between urine specific gravity and fluid intake (r = -0.276, P = 0.440). We conclude that young, native tropical soccer players started the match hypohydrated and replaced about 50% of the sweat lost. Thus, effective strategies to improve fluid replacement are needed for players competing in the heat.

Heart rate monitoring in soccer: interest and limits during competitive match play and training, practical application.

The identification of physiological loads imposed by soccer training or match play reveals essential information, which may help improve training and recovery strategies. Until today, the use of heart rate (HR) monitoring is not standardized in soccer. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze, determine and compare the exercise intensity (EI) monitored by HR in professional, youth, and recreational soccer players during matches and training sessions using a meta-analysis. Heart rate is one of the most common physiological variables used to determine exercise internal training load. The mean EI recorded during competitive matches was described as 70-80% of VO2max or 80-90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax), independent of the playing level. With respect to HR training zones, approximately 65% of the total match duration is spent at intensity of 70-90% HRmax and rarely below 65% HRmax. However, although HRmax is mostly employed in the literature, monitoring EI should be expressed in relation to reserve heart rate, as it was described as a more reliable indicator of HR, allowing interindividual comparisons. The HR response according to the playing position indicates that midfielders are characterized by the highest EI, followed by forwards and fullbacks. Moreover, in the second half of the match, the EI is lower than that observed during the first half; this reduction could be correlated with the level of the player's physical conditioning. Consequently, coaches may favor the use of interval training or small-sided training games because these are shown to improve both aerobic capacity and the ability to repeat high-intensity actions. Small-sided games allow reaching similar HR responses to those found during interval training and match play but with greater heterogeneity values. Future investigations should include a larger sample of players with special reference to playing position and the expression of EI in percentage of the reserve heart rate, analyzing the possible intergender differences in HR response.

Exercise intensity and technical demands of small-sided games in young Brazilian soccer players: effect of number of players, maturation, and reliability.

The aims of this study were to examine in young soccer players (a) the effect of varying the number of players on exercise intensity (EI) and technical actions during small-sided games (SSGs), (b) the reliability of EI and technical actions, and (c) the influence of the players' maturation on EI and involvements with the ball (IWBs). Sixteen male soccer players (mean ± SD; age 13.5 ± 0.7 years, height 164 ± 7 cm, and weight 51.8 ± 8 kg) completed 2 bouts of 3 vs. 3 (SSG3), 4 vs. 4 (SSG4), and 5 vs. 5 (SSG5) training. Exercise intensity was measured using heart rate and expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate (%MHR). Technical actions were quantified from video recordings. Maturation stage was determined with the Tanner scale. Exercise intensity in SSG3 (89.8 ± 2%MHR) was higher (p < 0.003) than that in SSG5 (86.9 ± 3%MHR). The EI in the first set (86.8 ± 4%MHR) was lower (p < 0.001) than that in the second (89.1 ± 3%MHR) and in the third set (89.4 ± 3%MRH). No effects of number of players were found in IWB, passes, target passes, tackles, and headers. Significantly more crosses, dribbling, and shots on goal were observed during SSG3 compared to during SSG4 or SSG5 (p < 0.05). The typical error for EI, expressed as coefficient of variation, ranged from 2.2 to 3.4%. The reliability for the most frequent technical actions ranged from 6.8 to 19.3%. The level of maturation was not correlated with either EI or IWB. These results extend previous findings with adult players suggesting that SSGs can provide an adequate training stimulus for young players and are feasible for groups with heterogeneous maturation levels.

Fluid balance of elite Brazilian youth soccer players during consecutive days of training.

In this study we investigated pre-training hydration status, fluid intake, and sweat loss in 20 elite male Brazilian adolescent soccer players (mean ± s: age 17.2 ± 0.5 years; height 1.76 ± 0.05 m; body mass 69.9 ± 6.0 kg) on three consecutive days of typical training during the qualifying phase of the national soccer league. Urine specific gravity (USG) and body mass changes were evaluated before and after training sessions to estimate hydration status. Players began the days of training mildly hypohydrated (USG > 1.020) and fluid intake did not match fluid losses. It was warmer on Day 1 (33.1 ± 2.4°C and43.4 ± 3.2% relative humidity; P < 0.05) and total estimated sweat losses (2822 ± 530 mL) and fluid intake (1607 ± 460 mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared with Days 2 and 3. Data also indicate a significant correlation between the extent of sweat loss and the volume of fluid consumed (Day 1: r = 0.560, P = 0.010; Day 2: r = 0.445, P = 0.049; Day 3: r = 0.743, P = 0.0001). We conclude that young, native tropical soccer players arrive hypohydrated to training and that they exhibit voluntary dehydration; therefore, enhancing athletes' self-knowledge of sweat loss during training might help them to consume sufficient fluid to match the sweat losses.