Relationship Between Training Volume and Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Swimmers

Abstract

The markers of external training load (ETL), distance and intensity, do not take into account the athletes' psychophysiological stress, i.e., internal training load (ITL). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ETL and ITL using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE in swimmers. Seventeen young swimmers (10 male, 15.8 ± 0.87 yr and 7 female, 15.1 ± 0.46 yr) belonging to one national level youth team took part in this study over 4 wk. The external training load was planned using swimming distance (in meters) at seven different training intensities. Swimmers' RPE was assessed 30 min after each training session. Session-RPE was calculated by multiplying RPE by session duration (min). The relationship between the variables was analyzed with Pearson correlations and a multiple linear regression was performed to predict the session-RPE as a function of the independent variables (aerobic and anaerobic volume). The swimming distance at different intensities correlated strongly with RPE and very largely with session-RPE (.64, p < .05 and .71, p < .05, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that the aerobic and anaerobic volumes together explained more than 50% of the ITL variability. In conclusion, the swimming distance in each training session was significantly associated with RPE and session-RPE in swimmers. In other words, based on these results, the use of high-volume training at lower intensities affects the RPE and Session-RPE more than the anaerobic volume.

Internal Load From Hard Training Sessions Is Related to Changes in Performance After a 10-Week Training Period in Adolescent Swimmers

“…Similarly, it was found that sRPE was related to both changes in aerobic and anaerobic threshold in the 10-week low-intensity, high-volume period (25). Somewhat similar results were also found in adolescent swimmers, where aerobic volume, defined by the swimming speed, was related to sRPE (3). However, aerobic volume in their study (3) included swimming speeds that in comparison with those used in the current study were higher than the anaerobic threshold.…”

“…Somewhat similar results were also found in adolescent swimmers, where aerobic volume, defined by the swimming speed, was related to sRPE (3). However, aerobic volume in their study (3) included swimming speeds that in comparison with those used in the current study were higher than the anaerobic threshold. Wallace et al (29) further suggested that the inclusion of interval trainings would increase the validity of sRPE as the measure of ITL.…”

“…Nevertheless, the lower number of associations could be explained by combination of the aforementioned fact and a relatively low number of subjects. Previous studies have indicated different responses of effort to similar training sessions between boys and girls (3). However, we also adjusted our results to the sex of the subjects (data not shown), and this had no significant effect on the results.…”

“…Recent studies (4,26,29) have suggested distributing training intensities into 3 intensity zones using physiological cutoff points for aerobic and anaerobic threshold. Categorization of RPE has also been used before in the literature (3,26,29). However, to the best of our knowledge, RPE-based categorization of ITL and its associations to changes in performance have not been studied before.…”

Workload and Noncontact Musculoskeletal Injury in Collegiate Swimmers: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…26 That said, previous research in swimmers has shown a strong correlation between rating of perceived exertion and distance swum (r=0.71). 28 Nevertheless, the relationship between injury and combined internal and external workload remains unknown in swimmers. In addition, in this study external swimming workloads were coach-and selfreported.…”