Effects of increased training load on physical and subjective parameters in Soccer Athletes: A longitudinal study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i5.1087Keywords:
Exertion; Soccer; Exercise Therapy.Abstract
Introduction: Soccer is a high-demand physical activity where workload monitoring is essential to optimize performance and prevent injuries. Objective: This study investigated the effects of a 90-day training program on workload parameters and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players. Methods: Twelve players from a soccer team in São Paulo, Brazil (age: 17 ± 0.11 years; height: 175.6 ± 1.59 cm) participated in the study. The training program included weightlifting sessions, small-sided field training, and team games, conducted five days a week with daily training sessions lasting approximately 120 minutes, always in the morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Borg Scale, training duration, acute load, chronic load, acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR), monotony, and strain were assessed during the pre-training (PRE) and post-training (POST) periods. Results: No significant differences were observed in the Borg Scale between the initial and final periods, nor in the ACWR. However, there was a significant increase in training duration (32.78%), acute load (156%), and the monotony (116%) and strain (345%) indicators by the end of the period. Additionally, chronic load showed a significant increase in week 9 compared to weeks 5 and 6. These findings reflect the progression of the training program and its implications on load variability and the accumulated demand imposed on the athletes. Conclusion: Despite the substantial increase in workload, perceived exertion remained stable, suggesting potential physiological adaptations to the training. However, the increases in monotony and strain emphasize the importance of proper load management to prevent overload and ensure recovery. These findings reinforce the need for continuous monitoring in soccer training programs.
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