Relationship Between the Session-RPE and External Measures of Training Load in Youth Soccer Training

Abstract

Marynowicz, J, Kikut, K, Lango, M, Horna, D, and Andrzejewski, M. Relationship between the session-RPE and external measures of training load in youth soccer training. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2800–2804, 2020—The aim of this study was to identify the external training load (TL) markers (10 Hz Global Positioning System) that are most influential on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE (sRPE) during youth soccer training. Data were collected from 18 youth soccer players during an 18-week in-season period. A total of 804 training observations were undertaken. We observed moderate to very large within-individual correlations between sRPE and measures of external load (r ranging from 0.36 to 0.76). Large, positive within-individual correlations were found between total covered distance, PlayerLoad, number of accelerations, and sRPE (r = 0.70, 0.64, and 0.62, respectively, p < 0.001). By contrast, small to moderate within-individual correlations were noted between RPE and measures of intensity (r ranging from 0.16 to 0.39). A moderate within-individual correlation was observed between high-speed running distance (HSR) per minute and RPE (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). The level of statistical significance was set at alpha = 0.05 for all tests. Two generalized estimating equation models were constructed, with RPE and sRPE as the response variables. The model identified by QIC for RPE contained 2 variables as follows: HSR per minute and distance in deceleration per minute, whereas sRPE was modeled with 3 predictors as follows: PlayerLoad, HSR, and distance in acceleration. The findings demonstrate that RPE does not reflect the intensity of a training session and that sRPE can be a useful, simple, and cost-effective tool for monitoring TL.

Monitoring Accumulated Training and Match Load in Football: A Systematic Review

“…Kelly et al [65] indicated correlation between changes in sRPE and Edwards TRIMP (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Particularly, these main findings prove that there were correlation changes between perceived exertion and HR measures for elite female [52], semi-professional [115], elite/professional [50,65], and young amateurs [53,98].…”

“…The internal measures had correlation with volume of HSR and sprinting (r = 0.40 to 0.67; p < 0.01). Marynowicz et al [98] reported a large and positive within-individual correlations for total distance, PL, number of ACC, and sRPE (r = 0.70, 0.64, and 0.62, respectively, p < 0.001). Small to moderate within-individual correlations were noted between RPE and measures of intensity (r = 0.16 to 0.39).…”

“…Of these studies, five studies reported the relationship within internal load methods, four studies analyzed internal and external load relationships, and one study compared only external load metrics. The literature evidenced positive within and betweenindividual correlations for perceived exertion, heart rate-derived measures, and external load indicators for elite female [52], semi-professional [115], elite/professional [50,65], and young amateurs [53,98]. The magnitude of correlations tended to increase when it was considered a within-individual correlation.…”

Quantifying Sub-Elite Youth Football Weekly Training Load and Recovery Variation

“…The accumulated training load and the seasonal variation in the different stages of developments still constitute a research hot topic concerning youth football. Additionally, the sRPE provided consistent information about internal training throughout an entire season [15,61]. No significant differences were found in the TQR score for inter-week analysis.…”

“…Validity and reliability of RPE are well established in several sports and physical activities at different ages and expertise levels [14]. The session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) has been reported as a better training load indicator to explain the training session intensity in comparison to RPE [15].…”