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Identifying the ideal weekly training load for in-game performance in an elite Brazilian soccer team

Authors :
Luís Branquinho
Elias de França
José E. Teixeira
Adriano Titton
Luís Fernando Leite de Barros
Pedro Campos
Daniel A. Marinho
Pedro Forte
Erico Chagas Caperuto
Ronaldo Vagner Thomatieli dos Santos
Ricardo Ferraz
Source :
Frontiers in Physiology, Vol 15 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance.Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block session cases) were collected (with the catapult system, VECTOR7) from 36 male professional soccer players (23.5 ± 5.2 years; 178 ± 4 cm; 75.5 ± 6.0 kg) belonging to the Brazilian First Division team during the 2022 season. The following data were collected in match and training sessions: jump, acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction (COD); running distance producing metabolic power at different intensities (>20, >20–35, >35–45, >45–55, and >55 W kg−1), total distance (m), relative distance (m/min), running distance at different speeds (>20, >25, and >30 km/h), number of sprints (running >25 km/h), and maximum speed (km/h). Mixed linear model (MLM), decision tree regression (DTR), and cluster K means model (SPSS v.26) approach were performed to identify the most critical variables (and their respective load) in the training sessions that could explain the athlete’s match performance.Results: MLM and DTR regression show that training load significantly affects game performance in a specific way. According to the present data, an interference phenomenon can occur when a high load of two different skills (running in a straight line vs COD, deceleration, and jumping) is applied in the same training block of the week. The cluster approach, followed by a chi-squared test, identified significant associations between training load and athlete match performance in a dose-dependent manner.Discussion: The high load values described here have a beneficial effect on match performance, despite the interference between stimuli discussed above. We present a positive training load from a congested season from the Brazilian First Division team. The study suggests that an interference effect occurs when high physical training loads are applied to different specific physical skills throughout the season.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1664042X
Volume :
15
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Physiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b31857f2ff714a8586135c66de899f16
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1341791