Abstract
The monitoring of training load is important to ensure athletes are adapting optimally
to a training stimulus. Before quantification of training load can take place, coaches
must be confident that the tools available are accurate. We aimed to quantify the
within-participant correlation between the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE)
and summated heart rate zone (sHRz) methods of monitoring internal training load.
Training load (s-RPE and heart rate) data were collected for rugby, soccer and field
hockey field-based training sessions over a 14-week in-season period. A total of 397
sessions were monitored (rugby n=170, soccer n=114 and field hockey n=113). Within-subject
correlations between s-RPE and sHRz were quantified for each sport using a general
linear model. Large correlations between s-RPE and the sHRz method were found for
rugby (r=0.68; 95% CI 0.59–0.75) and field hockey (r=0.60; 95% CI 0.47–0.71) with
a very large correlation found for soccer (r=0.72; 95% CI 0.62–0.80). No significant
differences were found between the correlations for each sport. The very large and
large correlations found between s-RPE and the sHRz methods support the use of s-RPE
in quantifying internal training load in youth sport.
Key word
training load - periodisation - soccer - rugby - hockey
