Monitoring Internal and External Training Loads in Female Artistic Roller Skating: A Longitudinal Study
André Rebelo1,2, Diogo V Martinho3,4, Inês G Pires1
1CIDEFES, Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisboa, Portugal.
Sports Health
|June 9, 2025
Summary
This study found that higher perceived exertion and daily training loads in artistic roller skating correlate with increased jumps and energy expenditure. Monitoring these internal and external training loads is key for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Skating Biomechanics
Background:
- Artistic roller skating demands high physical exertion, especially in free skating disciplines with complex jumps.
- Effective management of training loads is crucial for enhancing athlete performance and mitigating injury risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the internal training load (ITL) and external training load (ETL) in female artistic roller skaters.
- To analyze the relationships between ITL and ETL components during a competitive mesocycle.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 15 female artistic roller skaters was monitored over a 4-week period.
- Internal training load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE).
- External training load was measured via an inertial measurement unit, capturing jump and energy data. Statistical analyses included repeated measures ANOVA and correlation analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in the monotony and strain of ITL, and the monotony of jumps and energy.
- A significant positive correlation was found between ITL (sRPE, daily ITL) and ETL (jumps, energy).
Conclusions:
- Higher perceived exertion and daily training loads are associated with increased external workload, particularly jump volume and energy expenditure.
- Training monotony and strain varied across microcycles, increasing as competition neared.
- Systematic monitoring of both ITL and ETL, including monotony and strain, is vital for understanding workload dynamics and informing training adjustments in artistic roller skating.
