Usefulness of Linear Mixed-Effects Models to Assess the Relationship between Objective and Subjective Internal Load in Team Sports

Alice Iannaccone, Daniele Conte, Cristina Cortis and Andrea Fusco
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Alice Iannaccone: Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino e Lazio Meridionale, Viale dell’Università, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Daniele Conte: Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto g. 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
Cristina Cortis: Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino e Lazio Meridionale, Viale dell’Università, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Andrea Fusco: Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino e Lazio Meridionale, Viale dell’Università, 03043 Cassino, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: Internal load can be objectively measured by heart rate-based models, such as Edwards’ summated heart rate zones, or subjectively by session rating of perceived exertion. The relationship between internal loads assessed via heart rate-based models and session rating of perceived exertion is usually studied through simple correlations, although the Linear Mixed Model could represent a more appropriate statistical procedure to deal with intrasubject variability. This study aimed to compare conventional correlations and the Linear Mixed Model to assess the relationships between objective and subjective measures of internal load in team sports. Thirteen male youth beach handball players (15.9 ± 0.3 years) were monitored (14 training sessions; 7 official matches). Correlation coefficients were used to correlate the objective and subjective internal load. The Linear Mixed Model was used to model the relationship between objective and subjective measures of internal load data by considering each player individual response as random effect. Random intercepts were used and then random slopes were added. The likelihood-ratio test was used to compare statistical models. The correlation coefficient for the overall relationship between the objective and subjective internal data was very large ( r = 0.74; ρ = 0.78). The Linear Mixed Model using both random slopes and random intercepts better explained ( p < 0.001) the relationship between internal load measures. Researchers are encouraged to apply the Linear Mixed Models rather than correlation to analyze internal load relationships in team sports since it allows for the consideration of the individuality of players.

Keywords: team sports; statistical analysis; correlation; monitoring; RPE; heart rate; beach handball; training load; youth athletes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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