Background: The main purpose of the current study was to compare the within-season variations of workload, training duration, acute/chronic workload ratio (ACWR), training monotony™, and training strain (TS) through session rating perceived exertion (s-RPE) between starters and non-starters. Methods: Seventeen under-17 European male soccer players (age, 16.2 0.3 y, height, 1.8 0.1 m; body mass, 66.5 4.0 kg) divided in two groups: nine starters and eight non-starters, were evaluated over 50 weeks throughout the season. Results: In general, there were load variations for all players during the full-season. RPE tended to decrease during in-season and RPE, training duration and s-RPE did not present significant differences between starters and non-starters. TM and TS presented lower values for starters in mesocycle (M) 4 and M11 compared to non-starters. TS presented lower values for starters in M4 and M11 compared to non-starters, while in M10 a higher value was found for starters when compared to non-starters. ACWR showed differences between starters and non-starters in two of the mesocycles. Conclusions: This study showed that some mesocycles provided higher load for non-starters. This information can alert coaches that non-starter players are likely to try too hard in training to demonstrate their abilities, leading to non-functional overreaching, overtraining syndrome, and then poor performance.

The purpose of this study was to track and compare the changes of performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles of international (Int) and national (Nat) level swimmers during a season. Ten Portuguese male swimmers (four Int and six Nat level subjects) were evaluated on three different time periods (TP(1), TP(2), TP(3)) of the 2009-2010 season. Swimming performance was assessed based on official time's lists of the 200-m freestyle event. An incremental set of 7 × 200 m swims was applied to assess the energetic and biomechanical data. Measurements were made of: (1) velocity at the 4 mmol of lactate levels (V4), stroke index at V4 (SI@V4) and propelling efficiency at V4 (η (p)@V4), as energetic estimators; (2) stroke length at V4 (SL@V4) and stroke frequency at V4 (SF@V4), as biomechanical variables. The results demonstrated no significant variations in all variables throughout the season. The inter-group comparison pointed out higher values for Int swimmers, with statistical differences for the 200 m performance in all time periods. Near values of the statistical significance were demonstrated for the SI@V4 in TP(1) and TP(3). The tracking based on K values was high only for the SI@V4. It is concluded that a high stability can be observed for elite swimmers performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles throughout a single season. Int swimmers are able to maintain a higher energetic and biomechanical capacity than Nat ones at all times. The SI@V4 may be used as an indicator of performance variation.

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a carga interna (CI) dos períodos preparatório e competitivo de jogadores sub-17 da mesma equipa. A perceção subjetiva de esforço foi recolhida em 19 jogadores e multiplicada pela duração da sessão (s-RPE). O estudo analisou um total de 2 jogos e 8 sessões de treino através da aplicação da ANOVA com medidas repetidas. Os principais resultados revelaram valores mais altos na pré-epoca na duração do treino (103,3 vs 90,0 min, p<0,001) no MD-5 e (103,7 vs 96,7 min, p>0,05) no MD-3 do que na época competitiva, respetivamente. A duração da sessão revelou ser mais baixa na pré-época no MD-4 (103,2 vs 112,0 min, p=0,013) e no MD-2 (84,0 vs 97,2 min, p<0.001) do que na época competitiva, respetivamente. A s-RPE apresentou valores mais elevados na pré-epoca comparativamente à época competitiva no MD-5 (725,5 vs 481,3 u.a., p<0,000) e no MD-3 (755,8 vs 655,2 u.a., p=0,031), mas inferiores no MD-4 (705,2 vs 821,3 u.a., p=0,002) e no MD-2 (476,0 vs 559,0 u.a., p=0,020), respetivamente. Este estudo apresenta relevante informação adicional sobre a carga interna para os períodos preparatório e competitivo que pode ser usada para ajustar a periodização em jogadores de futebol sub-17.

The aim of this study was to compare internal training load (ITL) of starters versus non-starters from the same under-17 soccer team. Rated of perceived exertion was collected and then multiplied by training or match duration (s-RPE) from twenty-three soccer players. The study analysed a total of 2 matches and 8 training sessions during the in-season with ANOVA with repeated measures. The main results showed higher values in pre-season for training duration (103.3 vs 90.0 min, p=0.000) in MD-5 and (103.7 vs 96.7 min, p>0.05) in MD-3 than in-season, but lower values for training duration (103.2 vs 112.0 min, p=0.013) in MD-4 and (84.0 vs 97.2 min, p=0.000) in MD-2 than in-season. s-RPE was higher in pre-season than inseason (725.5 vs 481.3 a.u., p=0.000) in MD-5 and (755.8 vs 655.2 a.u., p=0.031) in MD-3 but lower (705.2 vs 821.3 a.u., p=0.002) in MD-4 and (476.0 vs 559.0 a.u., p=0.020) in MD-2 than in-season. This study present relevant additional ITL data for pre-season and in-season that could be used to adjust periodization in under-17 soccer players.

Aim: This research design protocol outlines the methodology for a thorough evaluation of workload monitoring and management strategies in football. Methods: The study involves conducting a global survey to fitness coaches, sports scientists, analysts, and physicians with experience in load monitoring within football. The research adheres to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration and complies with General Data Protection Regulation standards, with ethical approvals obtained from multiple Ethics Committees across various countries, including Tunisia. A consortium of professionals collaboratively crafted the survey instrument, dividing it into seven sections, each addressing specific aspects of workload monitoring in football. Survey reliability will undergo evaluation in a pilot study utilizing Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. To ensure inclusivity, the survey will be translated into multiple languages, facilitating participation from diverse regions. As such, survey distribution will consider online platforms (such as social media) and email invitations, with a specific focus on engaging football clubs, federations, and professional networks. The targeted sample size will remain at 385 participants. Statistical analysis planning encompasses descriptive examination, exploration of variable relationships, hypothesis testing, and qualitative analyses of participant feedback and recommendations regarding load monitoring practices. Expected results: Expected outcomes include i) A comprehensive global overview of training and match load monitoring practices in football, ii) The identification of emerging trends, an improved understanding of training optimization processes, and iii) The development of practical recommendations to enhance player well-being and performance. Conclusion: This study will contribute to the ongoing development of knowledge in the field of football workload monitoring.

O presente estudo teve como propósito investigar o uso de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação como mediadoras na tríade escola-estudante-família, considerando o uso de aplicativos de acompanhamento e monitoramento escolar. A intenção é avaliar, utilizando a revisão da literatura e um estudo exploratório, se estes aplicativos contribuem ou não como facilitadores do diálogo, da aproximação e do estreitamento de laços dessa tríade. A metodologia utilizada é o estudo de casos e envolve técnicas de pesquisa qualitativa, entrevistas semiestruturadas. Foram conduzidas dezoito entrevistas, distribuídas entre oito estudantes e seus respectivos familiares, bem como a direção de duas Instituições escolares. A abordagem buscou captar perspectivas de famílias, estudantes e membros da direção escolar. Observou-se, através da análise dos dados recolhidos, a importância e a necessidade do estreitamento desses laços e a contribuição para a formação, segurança e a melhora dos resultados acadêmicos, diante da necessidade de terem suporte familiar nas atividades diárias acadêmicas, evidenciando o papel ativo e fundamental da escola na moderação, cuidado e acolhimento. A pesquisa conduzida identificou ainda a necessidade de composição de recursos e estratégias para não apenas estabelecer parcerias entre escola e família, mas também para permear um vínculo de cumplicidade e apoio aos estudantes, respeitando a sua individualidade. O objetivo é acompanhá-los de modo a permitir seu crescimento e desenvolvimento com autonomia e responsabilidade, garantindo o respeito aos seus anseios e limites. Isso visa criar um ambiente de empatia e amparo, ao mesmo tempo em que potencializa suas habilidades para alcançarem uma formação saudável e extensiva.

The aim of this study was to quantify the training load in two microcycles (Ms) from pre- and another two from in-season and to analyze playing position influences on the load experienced by professional soccer players. Nineteen Asian athletes, including four central defenders, four wide defenders, six central midfielders, three wide midfielders, and two strikers participated in this study. The micro-electromechanical system was used to collect training duration, total distance, and data from Zone 1 (0–3.9 km·h−1), Zone 2 (4–7.1 km·h−1), Zone 3 (7.2–14.3 km·h−1), Zone 4 (14.4–19.7 km·h−1), and Zone 5 (>19.8 km·h−1), heart rate maximum (HRmax), and average (HRavg). The load was reduced on the last day of the Ms, with the exception of Zone 5, in M1, where higher values were found on the last day. Significant differences were observed between central and wide defenders for distance covered in Zone 4 (effect-size: ES = −4.83) in M2 and M4 (ES = 4.96). Throughout all the Ms, a constant HRmax (165–188 bpm) and HRavg (119–145 bpm) were observed. There was a tendency to decrease the load on the last day of the Ms. In general, there were higher external training loads in Ms from the pre-season than in-season. Wide defenders and wide midfielders showed higher distances covered with high-intensity running.

External intensity quantification and body composition assessments across the season allow soccer coaches to adjust the intensity during training sessions, thereby avoiding excessive fatigue and helping players maximize their physical fitness status during matches. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to describe variations in external intensity periods of distance and accelerometry-based measures across the early and mid-competitive phases and (2) to analyze whether the intensity variations influenced body composition across the 2019/20 competitive season. Ten players from a Portuguese BPI Ligue team (professional league) participated in this study. The participants completed ≥80% of 57 training sessions and 13 matches. The athletes were assessed in three phases (before the start of the season, after 2 months, and after 4 months) for the following variables: body fat mass, soft lean mass, fat-free mass, intracellular water, extracellular water, total body water, and phase angle (50 kHz) through bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody S10). A 10-Hz GPS device (PlayerTek) was used to collect distance and accelerometry-based measures, which included total distance, high-speed running distance, sprint distance, acceleration, deceleration, and player load. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with GPS-derived measures as covariates or repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the three moments of assessment. Although the patterns of variables’ responses were not the same as the season progressed, the values of body fat mass, fat-free mass, intracellular water, extracellular water, total body water, ratios of ECW/TBW, ECW/ICW, and phase angle improved. Variations in external intensity measures seem to influence the body composition variables across the season. These results may indicate good adaptations to the training and conditioning strategies managed by the coach and technical staff.

Load monitoring consists of training/match demand quantification as well as wellness and readiness to maximize the likelihood of optimal athletic performance [1]. The literature divides load into two dimensions: internal and external. Internal load is associated with psychophysiological demands that can be objectively and subjectively measured (e.g., heart rate and rating of perceived exertion, respectively) [2,3]. External load is associated with mechanical/locomotor demands, usually collected by global positioning systems, global navigation satellite systems, local positioning systems, and inertial measurement units that belong to micro-electro-mechanical systems (which provide a combination of 3D accelerometers, 3D gyroscopes, and 3D magnetometers). Despite different technologies, they provide external load measures, such as distances covered at various running speeds, accelerations, decelerations, player load, and others

O presente relatório descreve a experiência de estágio no Clube Outsystems Olímpico de Oeiras, no âmbito do Mestrado em Treino Desportivo da Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior. O estágio teve como principais objetivos integrar o processo de treino de jovens triatletas, apoiar a intervenção técnica, acompanhar competições e desenvolver um estudo aplicado à monitorização da carga de treino. Participaram nove atletas dos escalões Juvenis, Cadetes e Juniores. A carga interna foi avaliada através da Perceção Subjetiva de Esforço, utilizando a escala CR-10, e a carga externa pelo método estimated Training Impulse. Os resultados evidenciaram correlações fortes entre a PSE e carga externa na natação (r= 0,785) e na corrida (r = 0,673), mas fracas no ciclismo (r=0,315). Concluindo que a PSE constitui uma ferramenta prática, válida e de baixo custo para monitorizar a carga interna em jovens triatletas, devendo, contudo, no ciclismo ser complementada com métricas objetivas adicionais. O presente relatório descreve a experiência de estágio realizada no Clube Outsystems Olímpico de Oeiras, no âmbito do Mestrado em Treino Desportivo da ES DRM. A intervenção centrou-se no papel de treinador-adjunto do grupo de especialização, envolvendo o apoio direto ao planeamento de microciclos, a condução de sessões nas três modalidades do triatlo e o acompanhamento em competições nacionais. Este processo prático, fundamentado num modelo de treino polarizado, permitiu o desenvolvimento de competências essenciais na gestão do treino de jovens atletas. Paralelamente à intervenção, foi conduzido um estudo com o objetivo de analisar a relação entre a carga de treino interna e externa. Para tal, a Perceção Subjetiva de Esforço e o estimated Training Impulse foram monitorizados em nove atletas dos escalões de formação (15-17 anos). Os resultados evidenciaram uma correlação forte e significativa na natação (r = 0.785) e na corrida (r = 0.673), mas fraca e não significativa no ciclismo (r = 0.315). Conclui-se que o estágio permitiu uma integração bem-sucedida entre a prática profissional e a investigação científica. A experiência demonstrou que a PSE é uma ferramenta de monitorização robusta na natação e corrida, mas que requer complemen tação no ciclismo, reforçando a importância da aplicação de métodos cientificamente validados para otimizar o treino em contextos de formação.