Workload Quantification in Women's Soccer: Does the Starting Status Classification Matter?

This study explored methodological considerations in comparing accumulated workload across different starting status classification methods in professional women's soccer. Specifically, we (1) described best-fit classification criteria and (2) compared accumulated workload data across methods used to categorize players based on the previous match exposure.

Workload data were collected from 36 soccer players competing in the Mexican Women's League over 3 seasons, covering 240 training sessions and 51 matches. Workload metrics were obtained using global positioning system, heart-rate recording, and ratings of perceived exertion. Players were classified as starters or nonstarters according to seasonal available playing time (SAPT; >60% total match time), weekly playing time of the last match (WPTLM; ≥60 min), and weekly match started (WMS).

The players' classifications matched 71.4% between SAPT and WPTLM and 90.0% between WPTLM and WMS. Among starters, the strongest agreement occurred between WPTLM and WMS (73.3%), whereas nonstarters showed the largest discrepancy between WMS and SAPT (74.2%). In all scenarios, players had a higher likelihood of being classified as nonstarters (odds ratio = 1.17-1.74). The SAPT method (60-min cutoff) best predicted starting status (R2 = .52). In general, either in starters or in nonstarters, seasonal accumulated workload differed across classification methods for almost all metrics (P < .05).

Classifying players based on WPTLM or WMS produced similar workload outcomes, being suitable for immediate week-to-week decisions to balance the training in women's soccer. On the other hand, the SAPT is more suitable for retrospective use (previous seasons and research).