Profile of Weekly Training Load in Elite Male Professional Basketball Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the training load (TL) profile of professional elite level basketball players during the crucial parts of the competitive season (pre-play-off finals). Subjects were 8 full-time professional basketball players (age 28 +/- 3.6 years, height 199 +/-7.2 cm, body mass 102 +/- 11.5 kg, and body fat 10.4 +/- 1.5%) whose heart rate (HR) was recorded during each training session and their individual response to TL monitored using the session-rate of perceived exertion (RPE) method (200 training sessions). The association between the session-RPE method and training HR was used to assess the population validity of the session-RPE method. Significant relationships were observed between individual session-RPE and all individual HR-based TL (r values from 0.69 to 0.85; p < 0.001). Coaches spontaneously provided a tapering phase during the competitive weeks irrespective of the number of games played during it (i.e., 1 or 2 games). The individual weekly players' TL resulted in being not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05). Elite male professional basketball imposes great physiological and psychological stress on players through training sessions and official competitions (1-2 per week). Consequently, the importance of a practical and valid method to assess individual TL is warranted. In this research, we demonstrated that session-RPE may be considered as a viable method to asses TL without the use of more sophisticated tools (i.e., HR monitors). The session-RPE method enabled the detection of periodization patterns in weekly planning in elite professional basketball during the crucial part of the competitive season (1 vs. 2 weekly fixtures model).

Monitoramento da carga interna de treinamento em jogadores de futsal ao longo de uma temporada

“…These values, however, are slightly lower than those found for basketball players during one week with no competitive matches -3334±256 A.U. 1 . Such difference may be explained by the methodology used in the study by Manzi et al 1 , which used the total time of the session, including the resting period between the activities.…”

“…1 . Such difference may be explained by the methodology used in the study by Manzi et al 1 , which used the total time of the session, including the resting period between the activities. Regarding the CP, we observed that our values are similar to those reported by Manzi et al 1 in two competitive weeks of basketball, with TL of 2928±303 and 2791±239 A.U.…”

“…In order to reach an optimal fitness in elite athletes it is necessary to use a periodized training program, based on the precise quantification and adequate distribution of the training load (TL), which results in specific adaptations and performance improvements 1,2 . The Brazilian futsal has an annual schedule characterized by a long competitive period (CP) and a relatively short preparation period (PP), and needs a particular periodization schedule [3][4][5] .…”

“…In such case, the athletes may undergo a similar external load, but the internal load may be different for each one of them 1,[6][7][8][9] . Thus, studies have pointed to the need of a better understanding of the internal load, which consists in the athlete's physiological response to the stress imposed by the training [9][10][11] , so it can be better distributed in order to offer the appropriate stimulus while avoiding undesirable adjustments 1,[10][11][12][13] . However, Nakamura et al 11 state that graphics of load distribution have been frequently reported in the textbooks, but with no explanations of how the loads were quantified.…”

“…Furthermore, the session-RPE shows a positive correlation with the blood lactate levels, with the advantage of being considered a global marker of the exercise intensity 6,[17][18] . Besides being effective, this method is a low cost and simple strategy for the construction of periodization graphics 1,9,[11][12][13] .…”