External and internal Load and their Effects on Professional Volleyball Training

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding training load is vital for optimizing performance and preventing injury in professional athletes.
• Intra-week training load variations and the interplay between internal and external load metrics require further investigation in volleyball.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the intra-week changes in external and internal training load for professional volleyball players.
• To examine the relationships between different measures of internal and external training load.

Main Methods:

• Eight male professional volleyball players were monitored over 15 weeks.
• Internal load was assessed using rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE (s-RPE).
• External load was quantified using an inertial measurement unit, tracking variables like jump counts.

Main Results:

• Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly higher on days closer to the match (MD-2, MD-3) compared to earlier in the week (MD-1).
• A greater number of jumps, an external load indicator, was recorded on MD-2 compared to MD-1.
• Small positive correlations were observed between RPE and jump counts, and between session-RPE (s-RPE) and jump counts.

Conclusions:

• Professional volleyball players exhibit a tapering strategy, decreasing both internal and external loads in the days leading up to a match.
• A comprehensive understanding of training stimuli requires the integration of both internal and external load monitoring.