Internal training load monitoring across a period training in volleyball players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to monitor and analyze the dynamics of internal training load using session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method during a training period of volleyball. Twelve volleyball players (23.5 ± 3.4 y, 88.2 ± 11.4 kg, 190.4 ± 10.8 cm) were monitored during 22 training weeks divided into five mesocycles. The ANOVA revealed that the total week training load (TWTL), monotony, and strain were different among the mesocycles (p < 0.05). The higher values of TWTL were showed during mesocycles 2, 4, and 5. Monotony presented values below 1.4 ± 0.1 AU. The mean TWTL of the 22 weeks presented a mean of 1790.9 UA and a coefficient of variation of 16%. The lower and higher mean values of TWTL of the 22 weeks were 1324.3 and 2232.7 UA, respectively. Thus, the internal training load distribution presented moments with higher and lower magnitude between weeks, and increase from 1st to 2nd mesocycle with maintenance of this following others mesocycles.