The response of different external load variables on session rating of perceived exertion training load in elite female team handball players

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the response of different external load variables on session rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL) in elite female team handball players.

Method: sRPE-TL and external load was collected from 21 players in 24 training sessions, during a period of 16 weeks. PlayerLoadTM, PlayerLoad2DTM, total distance, HSR distance (>15.52 km/h), sprint distance (>22.0 km/h), HIE >1.5 m.s-1, HIE >2.5 m.s-1 and HIE >3.5 m.s-1 was exported from the LPS system (Catapult Clearsky T6, Catapult Sports, Melbourne, Australia). The data was analyzed using Pearson`s correlation coefficient and a linear mixed-effect model that modeled the within-player and between-player effects of all the external load variables.

Results: All subjects showed a significant correlation between sRPE-TL and the variables PlayerLoad™ and PlayerLoad2DTM. All external load variables showed a significant within-player effect on sRPE-TL, ranging from small to large ES (p = <0.01, ES: 0.59 - 1.38). The variables PlayerLoadTM and PlayerLoad2DTM had large, (37% and 35%) effect on sRPE-TL, respectively. Moreover, moderate individual responses to sRPE-TL to the variables PlayerLoadTM, PlayerLoad2DTM, total distance, HSRD, sprint distance, HIE >2.5 and HIE >3.5. Large, (17% - 26% coefficient of variation) between-session variability was observed with all external load variables. No significant between-player was observed.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated a large within-player effect on sRPE-TL in variables PlayerLoadTM and PlayerLoad2DTM. The relationship becomes weaker when the intensity threshold increases. Total distance, PlayerLoadTM and PlayerLoad2DTM had a very strong correlation with sRPE-TL. Furthermore, individual response to external load observed indicates the importance to individualize the monitoring of training load. Finally, large between-session variability in sRPE-TL highlights the use of both sRPE-TL and external load when monitoring training load.