Relationship Between Preseason Training Load and In-Season Availability in Elite Australian Football Players

Abstract

Completing a greater proportion of preseason training resulted in higher training loads and greater participation in training and competition during the competitive phase of the season.

Calculating acute:chronic workload ratios using exponentially weighted moving averages provides a more sensitive indicator of injury likelihood than rolling averages

“…While the preseason period is typically viewed as an opportunity to develop the required physical and physiological qualities to successfully compete during the in-season period,29 it is crucial that high workloads are prescribed systematically to apply adequate workloads to elicit a positive physiological change, while also minimising the negative physiological response 2 12 29. It has been shown that greater amounts of training during the preseason period may also offer a protective effect against injury during the subsequent in-season competitive period,30 31 highlighting the further importance placed on the preseason period. Using the EWMA model, it appears that large workload spikes, during either the preseason or in-season period, are associated with a clear threshold (ie, ACWR>1.50) where injury risk increases rapidly.…”

How much is too much? (Part 1) International Olympic Committee consensus statement on load in sport and risk of injury

“…Load is also commonly recorded and reported as the exposure to training per unit of time90 106 131 132 134 139 140 144 145 148 151 156 or the distance (mileage) of running, cycling or swimming 86–100 102 103 107 128–130 134 137 139–143 155. However, these are highly inaccurate measures of load, as they fail to account for the intensity, movement repetitions or impact load performed.…”

How to manage patellofemoral pain – Understanding the multifactorial nature and treatment options

“…These factors may be particularly important in some adolescent patients, given the high prevalence of PFP in this population (6.95% of 2200 adolescents (Rathleff, Rathleff, Olesen, Rasmussen, & Roos, 2016)) and commonly reported absence of strength deficits (Rathleff, Baird, et al, 2013), as they can often be fully immersed in sporting activities and influenced by those who care for them. Importantly, education relating to load management has been shown to have a positive effect on symptoms (Esculier et al, 2018;Rathleff, Roos, Olesen, & Rasmussen, 2015) and optimal load management and progression shown to reduce the risk of other injuries in varying sporting populations (Gabbett et al, 2016;Murray, Gabbett, & Townshend, 2016;Windt, Gabbett, Ferris, & Khan, 2017). Therefore, accurate quantification and consideration of its relevance to the patient's symptom development during their assessment and development of a treatment plan, is essential.…”