Physiological assessment of aerobic training in soccer

Abstract

Physiological assessment of soccer training usually refers to the measurement of anatomical, physiological, biochemical and functional changes specific to the sport discipline (training outcome). The quality, quantity and organization of physical exercises (training process) are, on the other hand, usually described by the external work imposed by the coach on his or her athletes. In this review, we demonstrate that this approach is not appropriate in soccer, as training is often based on group exercises. The physiological stress (internal load) induced by such training often differs between individuals. Here, we present some physiological laboratory-based tests and field tests used to evaluate training outcomes in soccer, together with methods based on heart rate and perceived exertion to quantify internal load imposed during training. The integrated physiological assessment of both training outcome and process allows researchers: (1) to improve interpretation of physical tests used to verify the effectiveness of training programmes; (2) to evaluate the organization of the training load in order to design periodization strategies; (3) to identify athletes who are poor responders; (4) to control the compliance of the training completed to that planned by the coach; and (5) to modify the training process before the assessment of its outcome, thus optimizing soccer performance.

Monitoramento da carga interna de treinamento em jogadores de futsal ao longo de uma temporada

“…In such case, the athletes may undergo a similar external load, but the internal load may be different for each one of them 1,[6][7][8][9] . Thus, studies have pointed to the need of a better understanding of the internal load, which consists in the athlete's physiological response to the stress imposed by the training [9][10][11] , so it can be better distributed in order to offer the appropriate stimulus while avoiding undesirable adjustments 1,[10][11][12][13] . However, Nakamura et al 11 state that graphics of load distribution have been frequently reported in the textbooks, but with no explanations of how the loads were quantified.…”

Heart Rate Responses During Small-Sided Games and Short Intermittent Running Training in Elite Soccer Players: A Comparative Study

“…Kirkendall (29) described soccer as the amount of game phases at 4 versus 4 or less, on reduced areas. Other authors have shown that during specific aerobic training, it is possible to reach heart rates (HRs) similar to running interval training (26,27). One of the main differences between these 2 training methods is that the presence of the ball during small-sided games allows the concomitant improvement of technical and tactical skills with greater motivation of the players (20).…”

A comparison of internal load between friendly matches and a conditioned game in professional football players

“…A pesar de la importancia que puede tener la Carga Interna (CI) soportada por los futbolistas en el resultado del entrenamiento (Impellizzeri, Rampinini, & Marcora, 2005), no hemos encontrado estudios que hayan comparado la CI soportada entre JR y PA. Además, sigue siendo muy discutible que ejercicios específicos como los JR proporcionen una CI de entrenamiento suficientemente unificada para que todos los jugadores reciban un estímulo de entrenamiento apropiado e individualizado (Little & Williams, 2006). En función a lo expuesto, los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: 1) Comparar en futbolistas profesionales la carga interna demandada entre partidos amistosos (PA) y un JR con implicaciones tácticas (juego de posición), y 2) comprobar si el JR proporciona una CI unificada, que asegure a la mayoría de jugadores recibir un estímulo de entrenamiento apropiado y similar.…”