Background: Training load is typically described in terms of internal and external load. Investigating the coupling of internal and external training load is relevant to many sports. Here, continuous kernel-density estimation (KDE) may be a valuable tool to capture and visualize this coupling. Aim: Using training load data in speed skating, we evaluated how well bivariate KDE plots describe the coupling of internal and external load and differentiate between specific training sessions, compared to training impulse scores or intensity distribution into training zones. Methods: On-ice training sessions of 18 young (sub)elite speed skaters were monitored for velocity and heart rate during 2 consecutive seasons. Training session types were obtained from the coach’s training scheme, including endurance, interval, tempo, and sprint sessions. Differences in training load between session types were assessed using Kruskal–Wallis or Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests for training impulse and KDE scores, respectively. Results: Training impulse scores were not different between training session types, except for extensive endurance sessions. However, all training session types differed when comparing KDEs for heart rate and velocity (both P < .001). In addition, 2D KDE plots of heart rate and velocity provide detailed insights into the (subtle differences in) coupling of internal and external training load that could not be obtained by 2D plots using training zones. Conclusion: 2D KDE plots provide a valuable tool to visualize and inform coaches on the (subtle differences in) coupling of internal and external training load for training sessions. This will help coaches design better training schemes aiming at desired training adaptations.
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This scoping review aimed to systematically explore the breadth and extent of the literature regarding the relationship between contextual factors (CFs) and training load (TL) in adolescent soccer players. Further aims included comprehending potential underlying mechanisms and identifying knowledge gaps. CFs were defined as factors not part of the main training process, such as the coach–athlete relationship and educational responsibilities. PubMed, EBSCO APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I, and SportRxiv were searched. Studies involving adolescent soccer players that investigated the CF–TL relationship and measured TL indicators were deemed eligible. Seventeen studies were included, reflecting the limited number of articles published regarding the CF–TL relationship. CFs were mostly related to match-play (N = 13) and phase of the season (N = 7). Moreover, these factors appeared to affect TL. CF related to players’ personal environment (N = 3) were underrepresented in the reviewed studies. Overall, the CF–TL relationship appears to be rarely scrutinized. A likely cause for this lack of research is the segregation of the physiological and psychological research domains, where the CF–TL relationship is often speculated upon but not measured. Therefore, a holistic approach is warranted which also investigates the effect of personal environment, such as stressful life stress events, on TL.
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The prediction of the running injuries based on selfreported training data on load is difficult. At present, coaches and researchers have no validated system to predict if a runner has an increased risk of injuries. We aim to develop an algorithm to predict the increase of the risk of a runner to sustain an injury. As a first step Self-reported data on training parameters and injuries from high-level runners (duration=37 weeks, n=23, male=16, female=7) were used to identify the most predictive variables for injuries, and train a machine learning tree algorithm to predict an injury. The model was validated by splitting the data in training and a test set. The 10 most important variables were identified from 85 possible variables using the Random Forest algorithm. To predict at an earliest stage, so the runner or the coach is able to intervene, the variables were classified by time to build tree algorithms up to 7 weeks before the occurrence of an injury. By building machine learning algorithms using existing self-reported training data can enable prospective identification of high-level runners who are likely to develop an injury. Only the established prediction model needs to be verified as correct.
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Athlete development depends on many factors that need to be balanced by the coach. The amount of data collected grows with the development of sensor technology. To make data-informed decisions for training prescription of their athletes, coaches could be supported by feedback through a coach dashboard. The aim of this paper is to describe the design of a coach dashboard based on scientific knowledge, user requirements, and (sensor) data to support decision making of coaches for athlete development in cyclic sports. The design process involved collaboration with coaches, embedded scientists, researchers, and IT professionals. A classic design thinking process was used to structure the research activities in five phases: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test phases. To understand the user requirements of coaches, a survey (n = 38), interviews (n = 8) and focus-group sessions (n = 4) were held. Design principles were adopted into mock-ups, prototypes, and the final coach dashboard. Designing a coach dashboard using the co-operative research design helped to gain deep insights into the specific user requirements of coaches in their daily training practice. Integrating these requirements, scientific knowledge, and functionalities in the final coach dashboard allows the coach to make data-informed decisions on training prescription and optimise athlete development.
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PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare coaches' and players' perceptions of training dose for a full competitive season. METHODS: Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (session-RPE), duration and training load (session-RPE * duration) of 33 professional soccer players (height 178,2 ± 6,6 cm; weight 70,5 ± 6,4 kg; percentage of fat 12,2 ± 1,6) from an U19 and U17 squad were compared with the planned periodization of their professional coaches. Before training, coaches filled in the session Rating of Intended Exertion (session-RIE) and duration (minutes) for each player. Players rated session-RPE and training duration after each training session. RESULTS: Players perceived their intensity and training load (2446 sessions in total) significantly harder than what was intended by their coaches (P < 0.0001). The correlations between coaches' and players' intensity (r = .24), duration (r = .49) and load (r = .41) were weak (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, for coach-intended easy and intermediate training days, players reported higher intensity and training load (P < 0.0001). For hard days as intended by the coach, players reported lower intensity, duration and training load (P < 0.0001). Finally, first year players from the U17 squad perceived training sessions harder than second year players (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that young elite soccer players perceive training harder than what was intended by the coach. These differences could lead to maladaptation to training. Monitoring of the planned and perceived training load of coaches and players may optimize performance and prevent players from overtraining.
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Quantifying measures of physical loading has been an essential part of performance monitoring within elite able-bodied sport, facilitated through advancing innovative technology. In wheelchair court sports (WCS) the inter-individual variability of physical impairments in the athletes increases the necessity for accurate load and performance measurements, while at the same time standard load monitoring methods (e.g. heart-rate) often fail in this group and dedicated WCS performance measurement methods are scarce. The objective of this review was to provide practitioners and researchers with an overview and recommendations to underpin the selection of suitable technologies for a variety of load and performance monitoring purposes specific to WCS. This review explored the different technologies that have been used for load and performance monitoring in WCS. During structured field testing, magnetic switch based devices, optical encoders and laser systems have all been used to monitor linear aspects of performance. However, movement in WCS is multidirectional, hence accelerations, decelerations and rotational performance and their impact on physiological responses and determination of skill level, is also of interest. Subsequently both for structured field testing as well as match-play and training, inertial measurement units mounted on wheels and frame have emerged as an accurate and practical option for quantifying linear and non-linear movements. In conclusion, each method has its place in load and performance measurement, yet inertial sensors seem most versatile and accurate. However, to add context to load and performance metrics, position-based acquisition devices such as automated image-based processing or local positioning systems are required.
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The aim of this observational study was to examine the differences between training variables as intended by coaches and perceived by junior speed skaters and to explore how these relate to changes in stress and recovery. During a 4-week preparatory period, intended and perceived training intensity (RPE) and duration (min) were monitored for 2 coaches and their 23 speed skaters, respectively. The training load was calculated by multiplying RPE by duration. Changes in perceived stress and recovery were measured using RESTQ-sport questionnaires before and after 4 weeks. Results included 438 intended training sessions and 378 executed sessions of 14 speed skaters. A moderately higher intended (52:37 h) versus perceived duration (45:16 h) was found, as skaters performed fewer training sessions than anticipated (four sessions). Perceived training load was lower than intended for speed skating sessions (−532 ± 545 AU) and strength sessions (−1276 ± 530 AU) due to lower RPE scores for skating (−0.6 ± 0.7) or shorter and fewer training sessions for strength (−04:13 ± 02:06 hh:mm). All training and RESTQ-sport parameters showed large inter-individual variations. Differences between intended–perceived training variables showed large positive correlations with changes in RESTQ-sport, i.e., for the subscale’s success (r = 0.568), physical recovery (r = 0.575), self-regulation (r = 0.598), and personal accomplishment (r = 0.589). To conclude, speed skaters that approach or exceed the coach’s intended training variables demonstrated an increased perception of success, physical recovery, self-regulation, and personal accomplishment.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rowing is a popular sport for students in the Netherlands. First-year students have to deal with a substantial increase of training exposure during their rowing season. The aim of this study was to investigate the training characteristics and the occurrence of injuries and illnesses in the freshman rowers.
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Objective. To investigate the feasibility and effects of additional preoperative high intensity strength training for patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design. Clinical controlled trial. Patients. Twenty-two patients awaiting TKA. Methods. Patients were allocated to a standard training group or a group receiving standard training with additional progressive strength training for 6 weeks. Isometric knee extensor strength, voluntary activation, chair stand, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and stair climbing were assessed before and after 6 weeks of training and 6 and 12 weeks after TKA. Results. For 3 of the 11 patients in the intensive strength group, training load had to be adjusted because of pain. For both groups combined, improvements in chair stand and 6MWT were observed before surgery, but intensive strength training was not more effective than standard training. Voluntary activation did not change before and after surgery, and postoperative recovery was not different between groups (P > 0.05). Knee extensor strength of the affected leg before surgery was significantly associated with 6-minute walk (r = 0.50) and the stair climb (r - = 0.58, P < 0.05). Conclusion. Intensive strength training was feasible for the majority of patients, but there were no indications that it is more effective than standard training to increase preoperative physical performance. This trial was registered with NTR2278.
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Purpose - Focusing on management training, this study aimed to establish whether identical elements in a training program (i.e. aspects resembling participants' work situation) can improve training transfer and whether they do so beyond the contribution of two well-established predictors -- motivation to learn and expected utility. In an effort to establish mechanisms connecting identical elements with training transfer, we proposed and tested motivation to transfer as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach - Data were collected online from 595 general managers who participated in a management training program. Structural equations modeling was used to test the model. Findings - Identical elements, expected utility and motivation to learn each had a unique contribution to the prediction of training transfer. Whereas motivation to learn partly mediated these relationships, identical elements and expected utility also showed direct associations with training transfer. Research limitations/implications - Identical elements represent a relevant predictor of training transfer. In future research, a longitudinal analysis from different perspectives would be useful to better understand the process of training transfer. Practical implications - Participants may profit more from management training programs when the training better resembles participants' work situation. Organisations and trainers should therefore apply the concept of identical elements in their trainings, in order to increase its value and impact. Originality/value - This study contributes to the training literature by showing the relevance of identical elements for transfer, over and above established predictors.
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