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Assessment of Internal Load and External Load in Senior Football Players: Differences Between Competitive Levels.
Diogo Tereso1, José M Gamonales2,3,4, Víctor Hernández-Beltrán3
1SPRINT-Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center|Centro de Investigação & Inovação em Desporto Atividade Física e Saúde|Portugal|FCT-Fundação Para a Ciência e a Tecnologia|Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of Castelo Branco, 6000 Castelo Branco, Portugal.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Competitive level impacts football match load, with higher divisions showing distinct high-intensity actions. External load metrics better differentiate player performance across competitive levels than internal load.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Football Analytics
Background:
- Football demands high physical and physiological exertion, varying with competitive level.
- Understanding match load differences is crucial for training, fatigue management, and injury prevention.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated load profile variations across diverse footballing tiers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare external and internal match load in senior Portuguese football players.
- To analyze load differences across five distinct competitive levels (1st to Regional Division).
- To identify which load metrics best discriminate between competitive levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Wimu Pro and Garmin Heart Rate monitors to collect data.
- Assessed 96 male football players aged 19-36 across five divisions.
- Quantified external load variables and internal load (average heart rate).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in external load variables were found across competitive levels (p < 0.001).
- 3rd and 4th Divisions exhibited higher reactive and high-intensity actions compared to other levels.
- Internal load showed fewer significant differences, with only average heart rate in the second half varying (p = 0.043).
Conclusions:
- Competitive level significantly influences football players' load profiles, but not linearly.
- External load metrics provide greater discriminatory power between competitive levels than internal load.
- Findings aid in tailoring training and fatigue management strategies based on competitive context.
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