The convergent validity between two objective methods for quantifying training load in young taekwondo athletes.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Objective heart rate (HR)-based methods like Banister's Training Impulse (TRIMP) and Edwards' Training Load (TL) are commonly used to assess training load (TL).
• Quantifying internal TL using various methods can lead to redundancy.
• Verifying the convergence and interchangeability of these methods is crucial for consistent application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the convergent validity between Banister's TRIMP and Edwards' TL for assessing internal training load.
• To determine if these two objective HR-based methods are interchangeable in quantifying training load.

Main Methods:

• Ten male Taekwondo athletes' HR data were collected over 10 preseason training weeks.
• Training load was calculated using both Banister's TRIMP and Edwards' TL methods.
• Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was employed to assess convergent validity.

Main Results:

• Very large to nearly perfect correlations were observed between individual Banister's TRIMP and Edwards' TL (r = 0.80–0.99, p < 0.001).
• Pooled data (n = 284) also demonstrated a strong correlation between the two methods (r = 0.89, p < 0.05).
• High correlation coefficients indicate strong convergent validity.

Conclusions:

• Banister's TRIMP and Edwards' TL are highly convergent and interchangeable methods for assessing internal training load.
• These findings support the use of either method for consistent and reliable training load quantification in athletes.
• Simplifying training load assessment through interchangeable methods can enhance training monitoring and program design.