Session-to-session variations of internal load during different small-sided games: a study in professional soccer players

The aims were to assess differentiated perceived match exertion and its variability according to playing position for professional soccer players. Nineteen Spanish players declared their respiratory and muscular perceived exertions (PEs) after official matches during an entire season. Players were classified according to their playing position. In order to assess differentiated perceived match exertion, soccer players were asked to assess their perceived level of exertion following each official match. Considerable differences (p<.05; ES=.41-2.49) were found between some playing positions but not always in both dimensions of PE (respiratory and muscular). Advanced midfielders (AvMs), wide midfielders (WMs) and wing backs (WnBs) reported the highest match respiratory PE and muscular PE scores. Furthermore, match-to-match differentiated perceived match exertion variability ranged from 12.8 to 27.7% for respiratory perceived exertion and from 11.5 to 25.2% for muscular perceived exertion according to playing position. Match respiratory-muscular PE differences varied among the playing positions, showing higher muscular PE than respiratory PE in central backs (CBs), WMs and central midfielders (CMs) (p<.05; ES=-.35 to .68), but higher respiratory PE than muscular PE in wing backs (p<.05; ES=-.35). Soccer differentiated perceived match exertion is different inter and intra some playing positions, showing large swings for match-to-match variability between playing positions. These facts confirm that the deconstruction of the overall PE provides a more accurate evaluation of the subjective match internal load in some playing positions.

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Relationship Between Internal Load Indicators and Changes on Intermittent Performance After the Preseason in Professional Soccer Players

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research ◽

10.1519/jsc.0000000000001613 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (6) ◽

pp. 1477-1485 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Miguel A. Campos-Vazquez ◽

Francisco J. Toscano-Bendala ◽

José C. Mora-Ferrera ◽

Luis J. Suarez-Arrones

Keyword(s):

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Professional Soccer

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Preliminary Validation of Mirrored Scales for Monitoring Professional Soccer Training Sessions

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2019-0112 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 72 (1) ◽

pp. 265-278

Author(s):

Rodrigo F. Morandi ◽

Eduardo M. Pimenta ◽

André G. P. Andrade ◽

Tane K. F. Serpa ◽

Eduardo M. Penna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Dose Response ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Subjective Perceptions ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Training Impulse

AbstractWe aimed to create a single subjective method to assess both internal training loads and subsequent fatigue. This new training-fatigue (dose-response) scale (TFS) was composed of two similar scales with the same properties, metrics and construction criteria. These two scales were designed to rate the perceived exertion (RPETFS) and perceived fatigue (RPFTFS) in professional soccer players. Twenty-two athletes participated to establish reliability, and 15 participated to establish validity. For reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used. For criterion validity, the Spearman’s correlation coefficient and linear regression analyses were applied. Associations between RPETFS and RPFTFS were verified by a chi square test, and a further factorial exploratory analysis was conducted. RPETFS and RPFTFS were found to be reliable (ICC 0.74 and 0.77, SEM 0.30 and 0.30, respectively) and valid. RPETFS was best explained by the internal load of the Banister training impulse (p < 0.001), while RPFTFS was best explained by the internal load of the Stagno training impulse (p < 0.001). An association was found between the scales (RPETFS and RPFTFS) in which training duration had a more substantial impact on these subjective perceptions than did training intensity (p < 0.01). RPETFS and RPFTFS scales are reliable and valid for monitoring training sessions in Brazilian professional soccer players. The simultaneous oscillations of the RPETFS and RPFTFS scores can be used by staff members to better plan weekly training programs based on dose-response ratings. Finally, training duration must be carefully controlled because it has a greater impact than intensity on subjective perceptions.

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Analysis of the External and Internal Load in 5vs5 Large Sided Games: Differences Between Different Sized Fields

Teorìâ ta Metodika Fìzičnogo Vihovannâ ◽

10.17309/tmfv.2021.4.08 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 337-342

Author(s):

Giacomo Cofano ◽

Francesca D’Elia ◽

Andrea Piccinno ◽

Italo Sannicandro

Keyword(s):

External Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Passive Recovery ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Load Analysis ◽

The Difference ◽

Fourth Session

The study purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze and understand the internal and external load in Large Sided Games (LSG) exercises carried out on fields of different sizes, defined as Small – Large Sided Games (SLSG) and Big – Large Sided Games (BLSG), according to the different square meters assigned to each player. Materials and methods. 22 professional soccer players (average age: 23.59 ± 4.87 years, weight: 77.8 ± 7.6 kg, height: 183.5 ± 7.5 cm, age training: 13.1 ± 1.7). The LSG exercises were carried out on a 60 x 54 m field (270 m2/player), defined as "small" (SLSG) and on a 65 x 60 m field (325 m2/player) defined as "big" (BLSG). During the two LSG exercises, the internal load and the external load were analyzed. LSG exercises were performed with 4 sets of 5 minutes each, with 2 minutes of passive recovery between each set. Results. The results of the internal load analysis show how the LSG carried out on a SLSG field provides higher and more significant HR values (p < 0.0005) than those emerged during the exercise carried out on a BLSG field. The RPE value is also higher during the SLSG, although statistically no significant difference appears. The analysis of the external load in relation with the observed parameters shows higher values in the BLSG, except for the number of accelerations. Conclusions. In terms of external and internal load, the results of this study showed how the difference of 55 m2/player can radically change the configuration of the two exercises. These differences allow to use both dimensions within a micro-cycle, but in sessions with different goals. The most appropriate sessions for LSGs are the first post-match session in which the rest day is not gone and the fourth session 3 days before the match.

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Monitoring Internal Load with a Mobile App in Professional Soccer Players after the COVID-19 Lockdown (Readiness Soccer): Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30728 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Salvador Moreno-Gutierrez ◽

Oresti Banos ◽

Miguel Damas ◽

Hector Pomares ◽

Paula Postigo-Martin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Soreness ◽

Individual Performance ◽

Training Load ◽

Performance Estimation ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Competitive Season ◽

System Usability Scale ◽

Sleep Satisfaction

BACKGROUND Heavy physical and mental loads are typical for professional soccer players during the competitive season. COVID-19 lockdowns had recently forced competitions to be interrupted and later disputed in a shrunken calendar. Wearable sensors and mobile phones could be potentially useful in monitoring players’ training load in such highly demanding environments. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore whether remote heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring and self-reported wellness of professional soccer players could be useful to monitor players’ internal training load and to estimate their performance during the continuation of the 2020 season after the COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. METHODS A total of 21 professional soccer players participated in a 6-week study. Participants used an Android or iOS-based smartphone and a Polar H10 wearable ECG monitor for the duration of the study. Every morning they recorded their HRV and answered a questionnaire about their perceived recovery, muscle soreness, stress and sleep satisfaction. Smallest worthwhile change (SWC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for the logarithm of the root mean square of the successives differences (LnRMSSD) of the HRV. Players’ in-game performance was evaluated subjectively by independent observers and classified as high, normal and low. In order to find which variables could be potentially linked to performance, we studied their correlation and tested for significant differences among distributions. We also trained random forest models with cross-validation and bootstrapping to find the wellness and HRV features with best predictive ability for performance. RESULTS We found the usability of Readiness Soccer in a real scenario to be very good, with 81.36 points in the System Usability Scale. A total of 241 measurements of HRV and self-reported wellness were recorded. For a entire training microcycle (ie, time in between matches), self-reported high recovery (Mann-Whitney U, P=.003), low muscle soreness (P=.002), high sleep satisfaction (P=.02), low stress (Anderson-Darling, P=.03), and not needing more than 30 minutes to sleep since going to bed (Chi-Squared, P=.02), were found significant to differentiate high from normal match performance. Performance estimation models achieved the highest accuracy (73.4%) when combining self-reported wellness and HRV features. CONCLUSIONS HRV and self-reported wellness data were useful to monitor the evolution of professional soccer players’ internal load and to predict match performance levels out of measures in a training microcycle. Despite the limitations, these findings highlight opportunities for long-term monitoring of soccer players during the competitive season as well as real-time interventions aimed at early management of overtraining and boosting individual performance.

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Relationships Between Aerobic Performance, Hemoglobin Levels, and Training Load During Small-Sided Games: A Study in Professional Soccer Players

Frontiers in Physiology ◽

10.3389/fphys.2021.649870 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Saeid Younesi ◽

Alireza Rabbani ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Rui Silva ◽

Hugo Sarmento ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Aerobic Performance ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Internal Load ◽

Physiological Profile ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Negative Relationships ◽

External Loads ◽

And Training

The purposes of this study were (1) to analyze between-session variations of external and internal load measures during small-sided games (SSGs) and (2) to test the relationships between the maximum speed reached (VIFT) during the last stage of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, hemoglobin levels, and training load measures during SSG intervals among professional soccer players. Sixteen professional soccer players (mean ± SD; age 27.2 ± 3.4 years, height 174.2 ± 3.6 cm, body mass 69.1 ± 6.4 kg, and body fat 10.4 ± 4.1%) participated in this study. Hemoglobin and aerobic performance were first tested, and then a 3-week SSG program was applied using a 3 vs. 3 format. During those 3 weeks, internal and external load of entire sessions were also monitored for all training sessions. Trivial-to-small, standardized differences were observed between sessions for external and internal measures during SSGs. Total distance (TD) and mechanical work (MW) were the only variables that indicated small changes. Large-to-very-large relationships were found between VIFT and external loads: TD (r range: 0.69; 0.87), high-intensity running (HIR; r range: 0.66; 0.75), and MW (r range: 0.56; 0.68). Moderate-to-large negative relationships were found between hemoglobin levels and internal loads: Edwards’ TRIMP (r range: −0.36; −0.63), %HRmax (r range: −0.50; −0.61), and red zone (r range: −0.50; −0.61). VIFT had unclear relationships with overall internal loads, while hemoglobin levels presented unclear relationships with overall external loads. In conclusion, no meaningful changes were found between sessions considering the format of play used. Additionally, the detected relationships indicate that VIFT and hemoglobin levels are good indicators of the performance capacity and physiological profile of players during SSGs. Also, the use of SSGs protocols as a monitoring complement of the 30-15IFT is suggested.

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Comparación de la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo entre partidos amistosos y diferentes tipos de sesión en futbolistas profesionales (Comparison of perceived exertion in friendly matches and different types of training sessions in professional soccer p

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i34.55248 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 66-70

Author(s):

Miguel Ángel Campos Váquez ◽

Francisco Javier Toscano Belanda

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Session ◽

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Different Types

El objetivo de la investigación fue comparar la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (RPE) y la carga derivada de ella (RPE-TL) durante partidos amistosos (PA) con una participación de 45 minutos por jugador (PA.45) o superior a 65 minutos (PA+65), y diferentes tipos de sesión de entrenamiento: condición física (CF), táctica (TAC) y activación pre-partido (ACTV), en jugadores profesionales de fútbol. 12 futbolistas pertenecientes al mismo equipo (1ª división española) participaron en este estudio. La RPE fue registrada tras cada sesión de entrenamiento y PA, cuantificándose posteriormente la carga interna derivada de ella (RPE-TL). Los resultados reflejaron que los PA+65, tuvieron una RPE substancialmente mayor que los PA.45 (7.8 vs 6.8). Además, todos los tipos de sesión reflejaron una RPE y RPE-TL substancialmente inferior a los PA+65. Tan solo las sesiones de CF alcanzaron valores de RPE y RPE-TL superiores a los reflejados en los PA.45 (7.1 vs. 6.8 y 597 vs. 509 unidades arbitrarias respectivamente). Estos resultados nos muestran que las demandas perceptuales de la competición no fueron replicadas en los diferentes tipos de sesiones de entrenamiento analizadas. Por tanto, podría ser necesario aumentar el volumen y/o la exigencia de algunas sesiones de entrenamiento, para someter a los jugadores a una exigencia similar a la de la competición. Abstract. The aim of the study was to compare perception of exertion (RPE) and RPE-derived internal training load between friendly matches (FM) played during 45 minutes (FM.45) or more than 65 minutes (FM+65), and different types of training sessions: fitness (FIT), tactical (TAC) and pre-match activation (ACTV) in professional soccer players. 12 soccer players from the same team (1st Spanish Division) participated in this study. RPE was registered after every training session and FM. Afterward, RPE-derived internal load was calculated (RPE-TL). Results showed that FM+65 obtained a substantially higher RPE than FM.45 (7.8 vs 6.8). Besides, all types of training sessions reflected a substantially lower RPE and RPE-TL than FM+65. Only FIT sessions reached RPE and RPE-TL values higher than those reflected in FM.45 (7.1 vs. 6.8 and 597 vs. 509 arbitrary units respectively). These results show that perceptual demands of competition were not replicated in the different types of training sessions analysed. It may be necessary to increase the volume and/or the exertion of certain training sessions to bring players closer to the demands of competition.

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Relationship Between External and Internal Loads of Professional Soccer Players During Full Matches in Official Games Using Global Positioning Systems and Heart-Rate Technology

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2015-0252 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 940-946 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Nacho Torreño ◽

Diego Munguía-Izquierdo ◽

Aaron Coutts ◽

Eduardo Sáez de Villarreal ◽

Jose Asian-Clemente ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soccer Players ◽

Internal Load ◽

Positioning Systems ◽

Motion Data ◽

Total Distance ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Time Motion ◽

Global Positioning ◽

Physiological Demands ◽

The Relationship

Purpose:To analyze the match running profile, distance traveled over successive 15 min of match play, heart rates (HRs), and index of performance efficiency (effindex) of professional soccer players with a global positioning system (GPS) and HR in official competition.Methods:Twenty-six professional players were investigated during full matches in competitive club-level matches (N = 223). Time–motion data and HR were collected using GPS and HR technology.Results:The relative total distance was 113 ± 11 m/min, with substantial differences between halves. For all playing positions, a substantial decrease in total distance and distance covered at >13.0 km/h was observed in the second half in comparison with the first. The decrease during the second half in distance covered at >13.0 km/h was substantially higher than in total distance. The average HR recorded was 86.0% maximal HR, and the relationship between external and internal load (effindex) was 1.3, with substantial differences between halves in all playing positions, except strikers for effindex. Wide midfielders reflected substantially the lowest mean HR and highest effindex, whereas center backs showed substantially the lowest effindex of all playing positions.Conclusions:The current study confirmed the decrement in a player’s performance toward the end of a match in all playing positions. Wide midfielders displayed the highest and fittest levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively, whereas center backs had the lowest and least-fit levels of physical and physiological demands, respectively. The position-specific relationship between external and internal load confirms that players with more overall running performance during the full match were the best in effindex.

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Respiratory and Muscular Perceived Exertion During Official Games in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2015-0270 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 301-304 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Asier Los Arcos ◽

Alberto Méndez-Villanueva ◽

Javier Yanci ◽

Raúl Martínez-Santos

Keyword(s):

Effect Size ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Extended Period ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Small Magnitude ◽

Internal Load ◽

Young Professional ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Muscular Load ◽

Playing Time

Purpose:The aim of this study was to assess the respiratory and muscular session ratings of perceived exertion (PE) after official soccer matches over an extended period of time (ie, 2 competition seasons) in relation to playing time (>20, 20–45, 45–70, and >70 min) and to determine the between-matches variability of both scores in young professional soccer players.Methods:Forty players belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club participated in this study. Respiratory and muscular PE were collected 10 min after every game. A total of 841 individual PE ratings were undertaken on outfield players.Results:The differences between match respiratory and muscular load differ depending on the playing time, the respiratory PE being greater for the players that competed less than 45 min (effect size = –0.45 ± 0.45 for the 20- to 45-min group) and the muscular PE greater for players that played more than 45 min (effect size = 0.23 ± 0.30, for the 45- to 70-min group). Match-to-match PE variability was considerable (CV = 14–54%) for all levels of participation, but it was lower the longer the players participated.Conclusions:Playing time influenced the relative exertion that players’ respiratory and leg musculature were exposed to during a game, suggesting that differential PE scores might provide a more accurate evaluation of match-imposed internal load. However, the small-magnitude differences between respiratory and muscular session ratings of PE observed in the current study might question the practical relevance of assessing both scores.

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