Comparisons of new body load and metabolic power average workload indices between starters and non-starters: A full-season study in professional soccer players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the weekly average training monotony new body load (wTMNBL) and strain (wTSNBL), as well as the weekly average training monotony metabolic power average (wTMMPA) and strain (wTSMPA) between four periods of a season (preseason, early-season, mid-season, and end-season), considering starters and non-starters. Twenty-one professional soccer players (age: 28.27 ± 3.78 years) were monitored throughout a season in the highest level of professional football Premier League in Iran. Data were captured by Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Independent samples T-tests were applied to analyze the between-group differences for all dependent derived-GPS variables for the full season and its different periods (preseason, early-season, mid-season, and end-season). Based on the amount of time attending in match and training, players were divided into two groups (starters and non-starters) each week. The magnitude of the between-group difference revealed a very large significant greater weekly average TMNBL ( p<0.001, d = −2.42), TSNBL ( p<0.001; d = −2.74), TMMPA ( p<0.001; d =–2.79) and TSMPA ( p<0.001; d = −3.27) for starters when compared to non-starters during the early-season. The findings also revealed a very large significant difference when starters were compared to non-starters during the mid-season (TMNBL: p<0.001, d = −2.89; TSNBL: p<0.001, d = −2.99; TMMPA: p<0.001, d = −3.28; and TSMPA: p<0.001, d = −3.25) and end-season (TMNBL: p<0.001, d = −2.89; TSNBL: p<0.001, d = −3.07; TMMPA: p<0.001, d = −3.16; and TSMPA: p<0.001, d = −3.58). In summary, the results of this study revealed that starters present regularly higher values of NBL, MPA-based weekly training monotony, and training strain than non-starters. This result must be taken into account when planning weekly workloads for these groups. Specifically, starters might experience high values of external workloads because of match-related demands. Therefore, weekly adjustments in their training workload are required to reduce injury risk.

Variations of Training Workload in Micro- and Meso-Cycles Based on Position in Elite Young Soccer Players: A Competition Season Study

“…Depending on the level of the competition and team, soccer players should be prepared to carry out three to seven training sessions ( Rico-González et al, 2020 ) and one match once a week ( Morgans et al, 2014b ). So, the monitoring of internal and external TL helps coaches to design an effective individual and group training periodization in elite team sports ( Djaoui et al, 2017 ; Stevens et al, 2017 ; Nobari et al, 2020d ). The weekly load planning requires attention and scientific support to warrant peak performance in the official match and also to prevent enhanced levels of fatigue and higher risk of injury ( Jones et al, 2017 ; Nobari et al, 2020b ).…”

Workload is Associated with the Occurrence of Non-Contact Injuries in Professional Male Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

“…The Data collection. Data collection was completed as in previous studies [21,22]. At pre-session, we placed upright tracking units in the pouch of the manufacturer supplied belt, then the green light (GPS tracking) ashes were checked.…”

“…Workload calculated. In this study, BL was used as the criterion for the training workload [21,22]. Weekly training workload was used to calculate other workload parameters.…”

Comparison of Running Distance Variables and Body Load in Competitions Based on Their Results: A Full-Season Study of Professional Soccer Players

“…Previous studies have shown that internal and external load may vary throughout a season in different team sports [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Specifically, regarding variations in external imposed workloads, it has been shown that matches induce significant biochemical and neuromuscular responses related to fatigue [ 11 ] because of the high intensity actions demanded [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Recently derived variables, such as the new player load or the new body load were proposed to investigate changes of direction along all the axes and can provide useful information for comprehending the external workload of training sessions and matches [ 12 ]. Recently, Nobari et al [ 7 ] used body load (BL) in professional soccer players during a full-season and found that starter players present regularly higher values when compared to non-starters. The same authors stated that this variable is higher in matches.…”