Beyond the Metrics: A Case Study on Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data to Monitor Training in Elite Rowers

Current athlete monitoring practices remain largely focused on training load (TL), overlooking critical aspects of how training is executed. This study explored how a mixed-methods approach integrating qualitative and quantitative data could provide a more holistic evaluation of training quality in an elite rowing environment.

A concurrent mixed-methods case study was conducted with 19 elite female rowers (age 22-37; tier 4-5) preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Across 16 on-water sessions from 4 crews, traditional monitoring data-duration, session rating of perceived exertion, and TL-were collected. Athletes and coaches independently completed the Subjective Training Quality scale following each session. Postsession coach-athlete debriefs were audio recorded, transcribed, and subjected to manual deductive content and sentiment analysis. Interrater reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficients. Qualitative data were quantized and integrated with quantitative metrics through joint displays.

Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = .992; 95% CI, .966-.998). Coaches consistently rated Subjective Training Quality scores equal or higher than athletes across all constructs, with discrepancies ranging from 0 to 3.5 points. Technical aspects dominated debrief content, followed by mental and physical themes. Sentiment varied considerably across sessions of comparable TL, demonstrating that TL alone does not capture the full experiential nature of training.

Integrating Subjective Training Quality scores, coach-athlete debrief analysis, and TL provides contextual insight into training quality not accessible through conventional monitoring alone. This mixed-methods framework offers a practical, minimally intrusive approach that captures nuanced physical, technical, and mental dimensions of training, supporting more informed coaching decisions and athlete development.