The Relationship Between Training Load and Acute Performance Decrements Following Different Types of Training...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Performance Analysis

Background:

• Understanding the relationship between training load (TL) and acute performance decrement (APD) is crucial for optimizing athletic training.
• Various TL metrics exist, but their association with immediate performance changes after training is not fully elucidated.
• Well-trained runners are a key population for studying the nuanced effects of training on performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between different training load (TL) metrics and acute performance decrement (APD) in well-trained runners.
• To determine which TL metrics, if any, can predict immediate performance reductions following specific training sessions.
• To assess the impact of varying intensity domains within training sessions on APD.

Main Methods:

• 12 well-trained runners completed a baseline time-to-exhaustion (TTE) test.
• Four randomized training sessions with matched external loads but varied intensity domain durations were performed.
• Training load was assessed using training impulse, heart-rate variability, ratings of perceived exertion, and NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX).
• Acute performance decrement (APD) was measured by TTE post-training sessions.

Main Results:

• TTE was significantly reduced after all training sessions compared to baseline.
• Long-duration high-intensity training (HITlong) resulted in a higher APD compared to low-intensity training (LIT).
• Most TL metrics were higher in LIT than HITlong, but NASA-TLX was significantly higher in HITlong and strongly correlated with APD (β = 0.54, P < .001).
• Physiological data indicated less time above 90% V˙O2max during LIT and higher respiratory parameters during HITlong.

Conclusions:

• Acute performance decrement is a common outcome following running training sessions in well-trained individuals.
• Most traditional TL metrics did not correlate with APD.
• The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) emerged as a significant predictor of APD, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for monitoring training status and preventing performance decrements.