Short-duration Massage Does Not Affect Grip Strength In Rock Climbers

Abstract

Elite athletes are presented with significant challenges to their sleep due to the physiological and psychological demands of their sport (Nedelec et al., 2018). Sleep is considered crucial for recovery, overall wellness, and performance, especially among elite athletes (Halson, 2014; Knufinke et al., 2017). PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep, subjective markers of recovery, and internal training load over a full soccer season (40 weeks). METHODS: Fifteen male elite soccer players provided 5 subjective markers of recovery (muscle soreness, fatigue, physical recovery, stress and energy levels), and sleep variables (quality and quantity), each morning before training on a purpose-built app. Daily, weekly, and chronic internal training load data were calculated, using session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). Pearson correlation was used to analyse the association between the previous night sleep with the next day's training load and subjective markers of recovery. RESULTS: The results found moderate to strong positive significant correlations (r=0.345-0.611 p=<0.001) between the previous night sleep quality and all 5 subjective markers of recovery, the following morning. A weak positive association was found between sleep quantity and energy levels (r=0.226 p <0.001). No associations were found between sleep quantity and the remaining subjective markers of recovery or between the sleep variables and training load indices. CONCLUSIONS:The results indicate that sleep quality rather than quantity associated with a player's subjective feelings of recovery. As a player's sleep quality improved, their reported subjective feelings of recovery were also improved (i.e. they felt less sore, more recovered, less stressed, more energized, and less fatigued). These results may help athletes and coaches understand the importance of sleep quality and the relationship with recovery, which in turn may help optimize training, preparation, and performance.