Effects of Match-Related Contextual Factors on Weekly Load Responses in Professional Brazilian Soccer Players

Luiz Guilherme Cruz Gonçalves, Carlos Augusto Kalva-Filho, Fábio Yuzo Nakamura, Vincenzo Rago, José Afonso, Bruno Luiz de Souza Bedo and Rodrigo Aquino
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Luiz Guilherme Cruz Gonçalves: Department of Performance Analysis, Botafogo Football Club S/A, Ribeirão Preto 14096-070, SP, Brazil
Carlos Augusto Kalva-Filho: Human Movement Research Laboratory, Post-graduate Program in Movement Sciences, São Paulo State University, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil
Fábio Yuzo Nakamura: Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa 58051-970, Brazil
Vincenzo Rago: Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, 1495-433 Oeiras, Portugal
José Afonso: Centre for Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
Bruno Luiz de Souza Bedo: Post-Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
Rodrigo Aquino: Research Group in Soccer Science, Department of Sports, Center of Physical Education and Sports, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-13

Abstract: This study aimed to quantify the weekly training load distributions according to match location, opponent standard, and match outcome in professional soccer players. Rate-of-perceived-exertion-based training load (sRPE) and distance- and accelerometry-based measures were monitored daily during 52 training sessions and 11 matches performed by 23 players. Athletes who played ≥ 60 min during non-congested weeks were considered for data analysis. The training days close to away matches (e.g., one day before the match = MD-1) presented greater sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work (player load) compared to the training days close to home matches ( p = 0.001–0.002; effect size (ES) = medium−large). The most distant days of the home matches (e.g., five days before the match = MD-5) presented higher internal and external loads than before away matches ( p = 0.002–0.003, ES = medium). Higher sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work were found during the middle of the week (e.g., three days before the match, MD-3) before playing against bottom vs. medium-ranking teams ( p = 0.001–0.01, ES = small−medium). These metrics were lower in MD-5 before matches against bottom vs. medium-ranking opponents ( p = 0.001, ES = medium). Higher values of all external load measures were observed during the training session before winning matches (MD-1) compared to a draw or loss ( p < 0.001–0.001, ES = medium−large). In conclusion, the training load distribution throughout the week varied considerably according to match-contextual factors.

Keywords: football; load monitoring; situational variables; GPS; sports science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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