Relationship between indicators of training load in soccer players

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 27; no. 2; p. 369
• Main Authors: Casamichana, David, Castellano, Julen, Calleja-Gonzalez, Julio, San Román, Jaime, Castagna, Carlo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.02.2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Exercise - physiology; Exercise - psychology; Geographic Information Systems; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Physical Exertion; Running - physiology; Soccer - physiology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182548af1

This study examined the relationship between work load indicators used to quantify full training sessions in soccer. The participants were 28 semiprofessional male soccer players age 22.9 ± 4.2 years, height 177 ± 5 cm, body mass 73.6 ± 4.4 kg. Players' physical and physiological work load was monitored over 44 training sessions using global positioning system devices (10 Hz) and heart rate, respectively. After each training session, players' training perceived-exertion (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale. Players' internal training load was assessed using the session-RPE and the Edwards methods. Total distance, distances covered at arbitrary selected high-intensity speed zones (≥18 and 21 km·h(-1)), bout frequency at speed >18 and 21 km·h(-1), and work:rest ratio during training drills were considered as signs of physical work load. Furthermore, player load assumed as reflection of total center-of-mass acceleration was considered as representative of players' external load. Very-large association of player load with Edwards and session-RPE methods was found. Total distance covered was large to very large associated with Player Load, Session-RPE, and Edwards methods. The findings of this study provided evidence for the safe use of session-RPE, Edwards methods, and Players Load as valid indicators of training responses in soccer.