scholarly journals Training Loads, Wellness And Performance Before and During Tapering for a Water-Polo Tournament

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-141
Author(s):  
Petros G. Botonis ◽  
Argyris G. Toubekis ◽  
Theodoros I. Platanou

AbstractWe investigated the effectiveness of a short-duration training period including an overloaded (weeks 1 and 2) and a reduced training load period (weeks 3 and 4) on wellness, swimming performance and a perceived internal training load in eight high-level water-polo players preparing for play-offs. The internal training load was estimated daily using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session duration (session-RPE). Perceived ratings of wellness (fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep quality, stress level and mood) were assessed daily. Swimming performance was evaluated through 400-m and 20-m tests performed before (baseline) and after the end of weeks 2 and 4. In weeks 3 and 4, the internal training load was reduced by 19.0 ± 3.8 and 36.0 ± 4.7%, respectively, compared to week 1 (p = 0.00). Wellness was improved in week 4 (20.4 ± 2.8 AU) compared to week 1 and week 2 by 16.0 ± 2.2 and 17.3 ± 2.9 AU, respectively (p =0.001). At the end of week 4, swimming performance at 400-m and 20-m tests (299.0 ± 10.2 and 10.2 ± 0.3 s) was improved compared to baseline values (301.4 ± 10.9 and 10.4 ± 0.4 s, p < 0.05) and the overloading training period (week 2; 302.9 ± 9.0 and 10.4 ± 0.4 s, p < 0.05). High correlations were observed between the percentage reduction of the internal training load from week 4 to week 1 (-25.3 ± 5.5%) and the respective changes in 20-m time (-2.1 ± 2.2%, r = 0.88, p < 0.01), fatigue perception (39.6 ± 27.1%), muscle soreness (32.5 ± 26.6%), stress levels (25.6 ± 15.1%) and the overall wellness scores (28.6 ± 21.9%, r = 0.74-0.79, p < 0.05). The reduction of the internal training load improved the overall perceived wellness and swimming performance of players. The aforementioned periodization approach may be an effective training strategy in the lead-up to play-off tournaments.

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dajo Sanders ◽  
Grant Abt ◽  
Matthijs K.C. Hesselink ◽  
Tony Myers ◽  
Ibrahim Akubat

Purpose:To assess the dose-response relationships between different training-load methods and aerobic fitness and performance in competitive road cyclists.Methods:Training data from 15 well-trained competitive cyclists were collected during a 10-wk (December–March) preseason training period. Before and after the training period, participants underwent a laboratory incremental exercise test with gas-exchange and lactate measures and a performance assessment using an 8-min time trial (8MT). Internal training load was calculated using Banister TRIMP, Edwards TRIMP, individualized TRIMP (iTRIMP), Lucia TRIMP (luTRIMP), and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). External load was measured using Training Stress Score (TSS).Results:Large to very large relationships (r = .54–.81) between training load and changes in submaximal fitness variables (power at 2 and 4 mmol/L) were observed for all training-load calculation methods. The strongest relationships with changes in aerobic fitness variables were observed for iTRIMP (r = .81 [95% CI .51–.93, r = .77 [95% CI .43–.92]) and TSS (r = .75 [95% CI .31–.93], r = .79 [95% CI .40–.94]). The strongest dose-response relationships with changes in the 8MT test were observed for iTRIMP (r = .63 [95% CI .17–.86]) and luTRIMP (r = .70 [95% CI .29–.89).Conclusions:Training-load quantification methods that integrate individual physiological characteristics have the strongest dose-response relationships, suggesting this to be an essential factor in the quantification of training load in cycling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Pind ◽  
Peter Hofmann ◽  
Evelin Mäestu ◽  
Eno Vahtra ◽  
Priit Purge ◽  
...  

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of training load quantification using heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-based methodology, and the relationship between internal training load parameters and subjective training status (Fatigue) in high-level rowers during volume increased low-intensity training period.Methods: Training data from 19 high-level rowers (age 23.5 ± 5.9 years; maximal oxygen uptake 58.9 ± 5.8 ml·min−1·kg−1) were collected during a 4-week volume increased training period. All individual training sessions were analyzed to quantify training intensity distribution based on the HR time-in-zone method (i.e., HR Z1, HR Z2, and HR Z3) determined by the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1/VT2). Internal training load was calculated using session RPE (sRPE) to categorize training load by effort (i.e., sRPE1, sRPE2, and sRPE3). The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) questionnaire was implemented after every week of the study period.Results: No differences were found between the respective HR and effort-based zone distributions during the baseline week (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to HR Z1, sRPE1 was significantly lower in weeks 2–4 (p &lt; 0.05), while sRPE2 was higher in weeks 2–3 compared to HR Z2 (p &lt; 0.05) and, in week 4, the tendency (p = 0.06) of the higher amount of sRPE3 compared to HR Z3 was found. There were significant increases in RESTQ-Sport stress scales and decreases in recovery scales mostly during weeks 3 and 4. Increases in the Fatigue scale were associated with the amounts of sRPE2 and sRPE3 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008, respectively), while no associations with Fatigue were found for HR-based session quantification with internal or external training load variables.Conclusion: During a low-intensity 4-week training period with increasing volume, RPE-based training quantification indicated a shift toward the harder rating of sessions with unchanged HR zone distributions. Moderate and Hard rated sessions were related to increases in Fatigue. Session rating of perceived exertion and effort-based training load could be practical measures in combination with HR to monitor adaptation during increased volume, low-intensity training period in endurance athletes.


Author(s):  
Alexandru Nicolae Ungureanu ◽  
Corrado Lupo ◽  
Gennaro Boccia ◽  
Paolo Riccardo Brustio

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether the internal (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE] and Edwards heart-rate-based method) and external training load (jumps) affect the presession well-being perception on the day after (ie, +22 h), according to age and tactical position, in elite (ie, Serie A2) female volleyball training. Methods: Ten female elite volleyball players (age = 23 [4] y, height = 1.82 [0.04] m, body mass = 73.2 [4.9] kg) had their heart rate monitored during 13 team (115 individual) training sessions (duration: 101 [8] min). Mixed-effect models were applied to evaluate whether sRPE, Edwards method, and jumps were correlated (P ≤ .05) to Hooper index factors (ie, perceived sleep quality/disorders, stress level, fatigue, and delayed-onset muscle soreness) in relation to age and tactical position (ie, hitters, central blockers, opposites, and setters). Results: The results showed a direct relationship between sRPE (P < .001) and presession well-being perception 22 hours apart, whereas the relationship was the inverse for Edwards method internal training load. Age, as well as the performed jumps, did not affect the well-being perception of the day after. Finally, central blockers experienced a higher delayed-onset muscle soreness than hitters (P = .003). Conclusions: Findings indicated that female volleyball players’ internal training load influences the pretraining well-being status on the day after (+ 22 h). Therefore, coaches can benefit from this information to accurately implement periodization in a short-term perspective and to properly adopt recovery strategies in relation to the players’ well-being status.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Govus ◽  
Aaron Coutts ◽  
Rob Duffield ◽  
Andrew Murray ◽  
Hugh Fullagar

Context:The relationship between pretraining subjective wellness and external and internal training load in American college football is unclear.Purpose:To examine the relationship of pretraining subjective wellness (sleep quality, muscle soreness, energy, wellness Z score) with player load and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE-TL) in American college football players.Methods:Subjective wellness (measured using 5-point, Likert-scale questionnaires), external load (derived from GPS and accelerometry), and s-RPE-TL were collected during 3 typical training sessions per week for the second half of an American college football season (8 wk). The relationship of pretraining subjective wellness with player load and s-RPE training load was analyzed using linear mixed models with a random intercept for athlete and a random slope for training session. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) denote the effect magnitude.Results:A 1-unit increase in wellnessZscore and energy was associated with trivial 2.3% (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 4.2; SMD 0.12) and 2.6% (90% CI 0.1, 5.2; SMD 0.13) increases in player load, respectively. A 1-unit increase in muscle soreness (players felt less sore) corresponded to a trivial 4.4% (90% CI −8.4, −0.3; SMD −0.05) decrease in s-RPE training load.Conclusion:Measuring pretraining subjective wellness may provide information about players’ capacity to perform in a training session and could be a key determinant of their response to the imposed training demands American college football. Hence, monitoring subjective wellness may aid in the individualization of training prescription in American college football players.


Author(s):  
Paula B. Debien ◽  
Thiago F. Timoteo ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Maurício G. Bara Filho

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1182-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula B. Debien ◽  
Marcelly Mancini ◽  
Danilo R. Coimbra ◽  
Daniel G.S. de Freitas ◽  
Renato Miranda ◽  
...  

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrado Lupo ◽  
Laura Capranica ◽  
Antonio Tessitore

Context:The assessment of internal training load (ITL) using the session rating of perceived exertion (session RPE) has been demonstrated to provide valuable information, also in team sports. Nevertheless, no studies have investigated the use of this method during youth water polo training.Purpose:To evaluate youth water polo training, showing the corresponding level of reliability of the session-RPE method.Methods:Thirteen male youth water polo players (age 15.6 ± 0.5 y, height 1.80 ± 0.06 m, body mass 72.7 ± 7.8 kg) were monitored during 8 training sessions (80 individual training sessions) over 10 d. The Edwards summated heart-rate-zone method was used as a reference measure of ITL; the session-RPE rating was obtained using CR-10 scale modified by Foster. The Pearson product–moment was applied to regress the Edwards heart-rate-zone method against CR-10 session RPE for each training session and individual data.Results:Analyses reported overall high (r = .88, R2 = .78) and significant (P < .001) correlations between the Edwards heart-rate and session-RPE methods. Significant correlations were also shown for each training session (r range .69–.92, R2 range .48–.85, P < .05) and individual data (r range .76–.98, R2 range .58–.97, P < .05).Discussion:The results confirmed that the session-RPE method as an easy and reliable tool to evaluate ITL in youth water polo, allowing coaches to efficiently monitor their training plans.


Author(s):  
Rafael Oliveira ◽  
João Paulo Brito ◽  
Nuno Loureiro ◽  
Vítor Padinha ◽  
Hadi Nobari ◽  
...  

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare training load (TL) preceding a home versus away match in a top-class elite European team during the 2015–2016 season. Methods: Twenty elite outfield soccer players with a mean ± SD age, height and body mass of 25.9 ± 4.6 years, 183.1 ± 6.6 cm and 78.6 ± 6.6 kg, respectively, participated in this study. Total distance covered, high-speed running distance (HSRD), average speed (AvS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) multiplied by training duration (s-RPE) and Hooper index (HI) were collected. Data from 24 weeks were analyzed through match-day minus/plus approach (MD-5, -4, -3, -2, -1, MD + 1). Results: All external TL variables indicated a decrease from MD-5 until MD-1 and then an increase to MD + 1 (p < 0.01). HI decreased from MD-5 to MD-1, but s-RPE increased until MD-3 and then decreased until MD + 1. When comparing TL data that preceded home matches versus away matches, for MD-5, HSRD and muscle soreness exhibited higher values when away match neared (p < 0.05). For MD-4 and MD-3, total distance, HSRD and AvS exhibited higher values closer to an away match than a home match (p < 0.05). For MD-1, total distances covered were higher closer to a home match than an away match (p < 0.01). For MD + 1, all HI items and AvS were higher when an away match was played (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms and provides evidence regarding the influence on internal and external TL data preceding home and away matches from a team that played in European competitions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 587-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Akenhead ◽  
George P. Nassis

Training load (TL) is monitored with the aim of making evidence-based decisions on appropriate loading schemes to reduce injuries and enhance team performance. However, little is known in detail about the variables of load and methods of analysis used in high-level football. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide information on the practices and practitioners’ perceptions of monitoring in professional clubs. Eighty-two high-level football clubs from Europe, the United States, and Australia were invited to answer questions relating to how TL is quantified, how players’ responses are monitored, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of monitoring. Forty-one responses were received. All teams used GPS and heart-rate monitors during all training sessions, and 28 used rating of perceived exertion. The top-5-ranking TL variables were acceleration (various thresholds), total distance, distance covered above 5.5 m/s, estimated metabolic power, and heart-rate exertion. Players’ responses to training are monitored using questionnaires (68% of clubs) and submaximal exercise protocols (41%). Differences in expected vs actual effectiveness of monitoring were 23% and 20% for injury prevention and performance enhancement, respectively (P < .001 d = 1.0−1.4). Of the perceived barriers to effectiveness, limited human resources scored highest, followed by coach buy-in. The discrepancy between expected and actual effectiveness appears to be due to suboptimal integration with coaches, insufficient human resources, and concerns over the reliability of assessment tools. Future approaches should critically evaluate the usefulness of current monitoring tools and explore methods of reducing the identified barriers to effectiveness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (9) ◽  
pp. 977-983
Author(s):  
Paula Barreiros Debien ◽  
Bernardo Miloski ◽  
Francisco Zacaron Werneck ◽  
Thiago Ferreira Timoteo ◽  
Camila Ferezin ◽  
...  

Context Rhythmic gymnastics requires a high level of complexity and perfection of technical gestures, associated with well-developed physical and artistic capacities. The training-load and recovery profiles of rhythmic gymnasts across a season are unknown. Objective To analyze the training load and recovery of professional rhythmic gymnasts during 1 season. Design Cohort study. Setting Brazilian National Training Center of Rhythmic Gymnastics and competition facilities. Patients or Other Participants Eight gymnasts from the Brazilian national senior rhythmic gymnastics group. Main Outcome Measure(s) Session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and total quality recovery (TQR) scores were collected daily for 43 weeks. We obtained the session-RPE after each session and TQR score before the first session of the day. Performances during 5 competitions were also recorded. The season was divided into 8 periods. Total weekly internal training load (wITL), training intensity, frequency, duration, recovery, and acute : chronic workload ratio were calculated for analysis. Results The season mean wITL was 10 381 ± 4894 arbitrary units, mean session-RPE score was 5.0 ± 1.6, and mean TQR score was 12.8 ± 1.3. The gymnasts trained an average of 8.7 ± 2.9 sessions per week, with a mean duration of 219 ± 36 minutes. Each competitive period showed increased wITL compared with the previous period. Training-load variables (wITL and session-RPE) and recovery were inversely correlated. Gymnasts were poorly recovered (TQR &lt; 13) during 50.9% of the season (n = 167 times), especially during competitive weeks. Spikes in load (acute : chronic workload ratio ≥ 1.5) occurred across 18.1% of the season (n = 55 times). Conclusions The training-load variables and recovery changed throughout a professional rhythmic gymnastics group season, mainly during competitive periods. The correct distribution of training load is critical to ensure that gymnasts are entering competitions in a recovered state.


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