Training and Game Loads Across Noncongested and Congested Weekly Microcycles During the Regular Season in a...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Basketball Performance Analysis
• Load Management

Background:

• Understanding training and game loads is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries in elite athletes.
• Congested schedules, characterized by multiple games in a short period, pose unique challenges for load management in team sports.
• Semiprofessional women's basketball presents a specific context for examining load variations due to potential differences in training environments and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare the external and internal training loads experienced by semiprofessional women basketball players during both noncongested and congested playing weeks.
• To analyze how training session loads differ from game loads within these varying weekly structures.
• To identify potential load management strategies employed by players and teams during different scheduling scenarios.

Main Methods:

• An observational, longitudinal study design was employed, monitoring 12 players from a single semiprofessional women's basketball team.
• External loads (PlayerLoad, relative PlayerLoad, inertial movement analysis) and internal loads (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE], sRPE-load, heart rate metrics) were recorded throughout the season.
• Data were categorized into noncongested (0-1 game) and congested (2-3 games) weeks, with statistical analyses including linear mixed models and Cohen d effect sizes.

Main Results:

• Training session loads, including PlayerLoad and sRPE-load, were significantly higher in the first training session compared to the second during congested weeks.
• Games consistently presented higher sRPE and sRPE-load compared to both training sessions in noncongested weeks, and training session 1 in congested weeks.
• Individual game loads remained consistent, but a notable increase in load was observed during the third game within congested weeks.

Conclusions:

• Training loads appear to be strategically reduced (tapered) in congested weeks, likely in anticipation of increased game demands.
• Training loads remained consistent across sessions during noncongested weeks, indicating a different management approach.
• The findings suggest that while individual game loads are maintained, playing a third game in a congested week significantly elevates overall player load.