Monitoring Fatigue During the In-Season Competitive Phase in Elite Soccer Players

Abstract

Methods: Total high-intensity running distance (THIR), perceived ratings of wellness (fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep quality), counter-movement jump height (CMJ), postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (Ln rMSSD) were analysed during an in-season competitive period (17 days). General linear models were used to evaluate the influence of daily fluctuation in THIR distance on potential fatigue variables. Results:Fluctuations in fatigue (r=-0.51; large; P<0.001), Ln rMSSD (r=-0.24; small; P=0.04), and CMJ (r=0.23; small; P=0.04) were significantly correlated with fluctuations in THIR distance. Correlations between variability in muscle soreness, sleep quality and HRR and THIR distance were negligible and not statistically significant. Conclusions: Perceived ratings of fatigue and heart rate variability were sensitive to daily fluctuations in THIR distance in a sample of elite soccer players. Therefore, these particular markers show particular promise as simple, non-invasive assessments of fatigue status in elite soccer players during a short in-season competitive phase.

Tracking Morning Fatigue Status Across In-Season Training Weeks in Elite Soccer Players

“…Coefficients of variation for the three indices ranged from 9-13 %. 6 Sub-maximal exercise heart rate (HRex), post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) and heart rate variability (HRV) Players completed an indoor submaximal 5-min cycling /5-min recovery test (Keiser, California, USA) prior to commencing every session. 2,6 All players…”

“…13 Perceived ratings of wellness A psychometric questionnaire was used to assess general indicators of player wellness. 6,14 The questionnaire was comprised of three questions relating to perceived overall fatigue, sleep quality and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 6,14 Each question was scored on a seven-point scale [scores of 1-7 with 1 and 7…”

“…7 Researchers have therefore examined the sensitivity of potential measures of fatigue to daily fluctuations in training load in elite team sport athletes. [4][5][6] For example, in both elite Australian Rules Football 4 and elite soccer 6 players, small to large and statistically significant correlations were reported between fluctuations in daily training load and changes in both perceived ratings of wellness and vagal-related heart rate variability indices. These findings suggest that such measures show particular promise as acute, simple, non-invasive assessments of fatigue status in elite team sport athletes.…”

“…These indicators include heart rate derived indices, 2 salivary hormones, neuromuscular indices 3 and perceived wellness ratings. [4][5][6] A valid marker of fatigue should be sensitive to variability in training load. 7 Researchers have therefore examined the sensitivity of potential measures of fatigue to daily fluctuations in training load in elite team sport athletes.…”

Fatigue and Recovery in Soccer: Evidence and Challenges

“…Consequently, this method is used extensively in soccer [53, 132 -134]. Athletes are able to differentiate between perceived effort and other sensations, such as muscle pain, muscle tension, muscle discomfort or wellness (fatigue, vitality, sleep quality), so it can be a helpful non-invasive assessment of the fatigue-recovery cycle [1,135,136]. As a consequence, several questionnaires are also used in high-performance sport programs, such as Total Recovery Scale (TQR), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q-Sport), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA).…”