Individualized Internal and External Training Load Relationships in Elite Wheelchair Rugby Players

Immunological Response to Exercise in Athletes with Disabilities: A Narrative Review of the Literature

For a person with a disability, participating in sports activities and/or competitions can be a challenge for the immune system. The relationship between exercise and immunity response in disabled athletes is, indeed, extremely complex for several reasons, including (1) the chronic low-grade inflammatory and immunodepression-"secondary immune deficiency"-state imposed by the disability/impairment; (2) the impact of the disability on an array of variables, spanning from physical fitness to well-being, quality of life, sleep, and nutritional aspects, among others, which are known to mediate/modulate the effects of exercise on human health; (3) the variability of the parameters related to the exercise/physical activity (modality, frequency, intensity, duration, training versus competition, etc.); and (4) the intra- and inter-individual variability of the immunological response to exercise. In able-bodied athletes, previously published data described several exercise-induced changes affecting various immunological subsets and subpopulations, ranging from neutrophils to lymphocytes, and monocytes. Broadly, moderate intensity workout is accompanied by optimal immunity and resistance to infections such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in athletes. Periods of intense training with insufficient recovery can cause a temporary state of immunosuppression, which should end with a few days of rest/recovery from exercise. Disabled athletes are relatively overlooked and understudied with respect to their able-bodied counterparts. Findings from the few studies available on paralympic and disabled athletes are here summarized and analyzed utilizing a narrative approach to review and determine the major features of the immunological and inflammatory responses to exercise in this specific population. Moreover, a few studies have reported behavioral, dietary, and training strategies that can be adopted to limit exercise-induced immunosuppression and reduce the risk of infection in people with disabilities. However, given the paucity of data and contrasting findings, future high-quality investigations on paralympic and disabled athletes are urgently needed.

Current Technologies and Practices to Assess External Training Load in Paralympic Sport: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Knowing the methods to assess the external load in Paralympic sports can help multidisciplinary teams rely on scientific evidence to better prescribe and monitor the athlete's development, improving sports performance and reducing the risk of injury/illness of Paralympic athletes.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to systematically explore the current practices of quantifying the external load in Paralympic sports and provide an overview of the methods and techniques used.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO was carried out until November 2022. The measures of interest were objective methods for quantifying the external load of training or competition. The inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: (1) peer-reviewed article; (2) the population were Paralympic athletes; (3) evaluated during training or competition; (4) reported at least one external load measure; and (5) published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of the 1961 articles found, 22 were included because they met the criteria, and 8 methods were identified to quantify the external load in training or competition in 8 Paralympic sports. The methods varied according to the characteristics of the Paralympic sports. To date, the devices used included an internal radiofrequency-based tracking system (wheelchair rugby) a miniaturized data logger (wheelchair tennis, basketball, and rugby); a linear position transducer (powerlifting and wheelchair basketball); a camera (swimming, goalball, and wheelchair rugby); a global positioning system (wheelchair tennis); heart rate monitors that assess external load variables in set (paracycling and swimming) and an electronic timer (swimming).

CONCLUSIONS

Different objective methods were identified to assess the external load in Paralympic sports. However, few studies showed the validity and reliability of these methods. Further studies are needed to compare different methods of external load quantification in other Paralympic sports.

Evolution of the internal load and physical condition of wheelchair basketball players during the competitive season

The objectives of this study were to describe differentiated perceived training and match load (dRPE-L) of wheelchair basketball (WB) players during the whole season, to analyze the evolution of players’ physical condition changes during a full season and to analyze the association between dRPE-L and changes in physical condition during a full season. Nineteen Spanish Second Division WB players participated in this study. For a full season (10 months, 26 weeks), dRPE-L was assessed with the session-RPE method, separating respiratory (RPEres-L) and muscular (RPEmus-L) perceived load. The physical condition of the players was also assessed at four different times during the season (T1, T2, T3 and T4). The results showed a significantly higher total and average accumulated muscular RPE load (RPEmusTOT-L and RPEmusAVG-L) than total and average respiratory load (RPEresTOT-L and RPEresAVG-L) (p < 0.01; ES = 0.52–0.55). No significant changes were observed in the physical condition of the players at the different moments of the season. Moreover, a significant association was observed only between RPEresTOT-L and Repeated Sprint Ability standard deviation of 3 m (RSAsdec3m) (r = 0.90, p < 0.05). The results suggest that the competitive season represented considerable neuromuscular involvement in these players.

Load and performance monitoring in wheelchair court sports: A narrative review of the use of technology and practical recommendations

Quantifying measures of physical loading has been an essential part of performance monitoring within elite able-bodied sport, facilitated through advancing innovative technology. In wheelchair court sports (WCS) the inter-individual variability of physical impairments in the athletes increases the necessity for accurate load and performance measurements, while at the same time standard load monitoring methods (e.g. heart-rate) often fail in this group and dedicated WCS performance measurement methods are scarce. The objective of this review was to provide practitioners and researchers with an overview and recommendations to underpin the selection of suitable technologies for a variety of load and performance monitoring purposes specific to WCS. This review explored the different technologies that have been used for load and performance monitoring in WCS. During structured field testing, magnetic switch-based devices, optical encoders and laser systems have all been used to monitor linear aspects of performance. However, movement in WCS is multidirectional, hence accelerations, decelerations and rotational performance and their impact on physiological responses and determination of skill level, is also of interest. Subsequently both for structured field testing as well as match-play and training, inertial measurement units mounted on wheels and frame have emerged as an accurate and practical option for quantifying linear and non-linear movements. In conclusion, each method has its place in load and performance measurement, yet inertial sensors seem most versatile and accurate. However, to add context to load and performance metrics, position-based acquisition devices such as automated image-based processing or local positioning systems are required.Highlights Objective measures of wheelchair mobility performance are paramount in wheelchair court sport support, since they enable quantification of workload across athletes of all classifications and in structured field testing, training and match play settings.Given the variety of methods for load and performance monitoring in wheelchair court sports, this review: identified and examined the technology available; provides meaningful insights and decision guidelines; describes applicability for different goals; and proposes practical recommendations for researchers and sports professionals.Wheelchair mounted inertial sensors are most reliable and versatile for measuring wheelchair mobility performance and estimates of workload, yet a combination with local position measurement via indoor tracking or image-based processing could be useful to add context.For wheelchair athletes bound to a wheelchair for daily use, workload monitoring on a regular basis, both on- and off-court, is crucial to avoid overuse injuries. Alternatively, in athletes with lower severity impairments often lack frequent exposure to optimal and progressive loading, reducing the likelihood of positive physiological adaptations.

Test-Retest Reliability of Physiological Variables During Submaximal Seated Upper-Body Poling in Able-Bodied Participants

Purpose: To investigate the test–retest reliability of physiological variables across four different test days and four different submaximal exercise intensities during seated upper-body poling (UBP).

Methods: Thirteen abled-bodied, upper-body trained men (age 29±3years; body mass 84±12kg; height 183±5cm) performed four submaximal 4-min stages of seated UBP on four separate test days. The four submaximal stages were set at individual power outputs corresponding to a rating of perceived exertion of 9, 11, 13, and 15. The absolute reliability for pairwise test-day comparisons of the physiological variables was investigated with the smallest detectable change percentage (%SDC) and the relative reliability with the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: Absolute and relative reliability across test-day comparisons and submaximal stages were moderate to excellent for all variables investigated (V̇O₂ – %SDC range: 5–13%, ICC range: 0.93–0.99; HR – %SDC range: 6–9%, ICC range: 0.91–0.97) other than blood lactate, for which absolute reliability was poor and relative reliability highly variable (%SDC range: 26–69%, ICC range: 0.44–0.92). Furthermore, absolute and relative reliability were consistent across the low-to-moderate exercise intensity spectrum and across test days.

Conclusion: Absolute and relative test–retest reliability were acceptable for all investigated physiological variables but blood lactate. The consistent test–retest reliability across the exercise intensity spectrum and across test days indicates that a familiarization period to the specific exercise modality may not be necessary. For generalizability, these findings need to be confirmed in athletes with a disability by future large-scale studies.

Integrating External and Internal Load for Monitoring Fitness and Fatigue Status in Standard Microcycles in Elite Rink Hockey

The aims of this study were 3-fold: firstly, to present an integrative approach to external and internal load dynamics for monitoring fitness and fatigue status of specific in-court rink hockey training sessions in a standard microcycle; secondly, to assess the differences between training sessions and matches; the third and final aim was to assess the association between external and internal load metrics. The external load, using a local positioning system, and internal load, using the declared rate of perceived exertion, were measured during 23 in-season microcycles for nine top-level players. Training load data were analysed with regard to the number of days before or after a match [match day (MD) minus or plus]. In relation to the first aim, internal and external load metrics merged into a single integrated system using pooled data z-scores provided an invisible monitoring tool that places the players in the fitness-fatigue continuum throughout the different microcycle sessions. In this regard, MD-4 and MD-1 sessions tend to place, with a low dispersion, the players in a "low external and internal load" zone. On the contrary, in MD-3 and MD-2 sessions, as well as in MD, in which higher loads were recorded, most of the players were within a "high external and internal load" zone with a tendency towards dispersion towards the fitness or fatigue zones. Finally, and with regard to the second and third aims, an inverted "U-shape" load dynamic related to the specific goals of each training session was the main finding in terms of comparison between MD; a load peak between MD-3 and MD-2 sessions and a significant decrease in all the load variables in MD-1 sessions were found; and high-to-low correlations were found between external and internal load metrics. This study presents an integrative approach to the external and internal load of players for monitoring fitness and fatigue status during a standard microcycle in rink hockey that might provide team sport staff members with a deeper understanding of load distribution in the microcycle in relation to the match.

Accelerometry as a method for external workload monitoring in invasion team sports. A systematic review

Accelerometry is a recent method used to quantify workload in team sports. A rapidly increasing number of studies supports the practical implementation of accelerometry monitoring to regulate and optimize training schemes. Therefore, the purposes of this study were: (1) to reflect the current state of knowledge about accelerometry as a method of workload monitoring in invasion team sports according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and (2) to conclude recommendations for application and scientific investigations. The Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant published studies according to the following keywords: "accelerometry" or "accelerometer" or "microtechnology" or "inertial devices", and "load" or "workload", and "sport". Of the 1383 studies initially identified, 118 were selected for a full review. The main results indicate that the most frequent findings were (i) devices' body location: scapulae; (b) devices brand: Catapult Sports; (iii) variables: PlayerLoadTM and its variations; (iv) sports: rugby, Australian football, soccer and basketball; (v) sex: male; (vi) competition level: professional and elite; and (vii) context: separate training or competition. A great number of variables and devices from various companies make the comparability between findings difficult; unification is required. Although the most common location is at scapulae because of its optimal signal reception for time-motion analysis, new methods for multi-location skills and locomotion assessment without losing tracking accuracy should be developed.

The Way to Increase the Motor and Sport Competence Among Children: The Contextualized Sport Alphabetization Model

There is a concern to implement games that will be able to increase the students' motor and sport competence during the sport contents in Physical Education. Some games encompassed in Models-Based Practice (MsBP) are more beneficial for physical and physiological development than others. The main purpose of this study is to compare the degree of physical and physiological performance in several futsal games that have been implemented through two MsBP: the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and the Contextualized Sport Alphabetization Model (CSAM). The second objective is to analyze the relationship between physical and physiological variables. A quasi-experimental and cross-sectional study with pre- and post-test evaluations had been carried out. The sample was composed of 112 Primary Education students from First to Sixth grade (9.35 ± 1.76 years). Polar Team Pro® technology was implemented to compare and analyze the physical and physiological variables. Data was analyze comparing both models with a two-step cluster model. Afterward, Student's t-test was executed to compare the progression of both models. Besides, two-level multilevel model (MANOVA-ANOVA, followed by MANCOVA- ANCOVA) were also executed by means of applying a 4 versus 4 Small-Sided and Conditioned Game (SSCG). Finally, Pearson correlation between physical and physiological variables was calculated. Results showed that physical and physiological performance was higher in CSAM groups. In this regard, throughout the intervention of both models, results showed significant differences in physical and physiological variables at SSCGs implemented in the CSAM over the games implemented during the TGfU. Additionally, multilevel and MANCOVA post-test analyses shows significant differences in the physical and physiological performance during the post-test 4 vs. 4 SSCG at the CSAM students, in contrast to the TGfU students (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that both physical (e.g., distance covered) and physiological performance (e.g., Edwards' TRIMP) are significantly higher during CSAM in contrast to TGfU. Moreover, relationship between physical and physiological variables help teachers to adapt sessions to the features of the context.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Wheelchair Rugby Players

García-Fresneda, A, Carmona, G, Padullés, X, Nuell, S, Padullés, JM, Cadefau, JA, and Iturricastillo, A. Initial maximum push-rim propulsion and sprint performance in elite wheelchair rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 857-865, 2019-Wheelchair rugby (WR) is an increasingly popular Paralympic sport; however, the evidence base supporting the validity and reliability of field tests to assess the physical condition of WR players is in its infancy. Therefore, here, we aimed to evaluate the intrasession reliability of the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) test and the sprint test, and to determine the relationships between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance variables. We studied 16 Spanish WR players (aged 33 ± 9 years). The maximum single wheelchair push from a stationary position and the sprint performance (i.e., times for 3, 5, and 12 m, and the maximum velocity) of elite WR players were measured in this study. The intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement for IMPRP variables were >0.85, <10.6%, and <16.76, respectively; the corresponding values for a linear sprint were >0.97, <3.50%, and <0.15. In relation to IMPRP mechanical outputs (i.e., acceleration, maximum acceleration, force, maximum force, power, and maximum power) and sprint performance (i.e., times for 3, 5, and 12 m, and the maximum velocity), significant and large associations were observed in the WR players (r ± confidence limit = -0.78 ± 0.17 to -0.90 ± 0.11; 0/0/100, most likely; R = 0.613-0.812; p < 0.001). These tests provide simple and reliable methods for obtaining accurate mechanical pushing capacities and sprint performances of WR competitors (the 61.4-80.1% variance in sprint performance was explained by the IMPRP variables). These relationships indicate a need to implement specific strength exercises in WR players with the aim of improving the IMPRP and therefore improving sprint capacity.

Differences in Physiological Responses During Wheelchair Basketball Matches According to Playing Time and Competition

PURPOSE

The main purpose of the present study was to determine physiological responses in wheelchair basketball (WB) matches in relation to heart rate (HR), match load (ML), differentiated perceived exertion (dRPE), lactate concentrations (LA), and tympanic temperature (TEMP), while specifying the individual player's playing time during different types of matches.

METHOD

Nine Spanish First Division WB players participated in the study. Three groups were determined for each observation (i.e., HR, ML, dRPE, LA, and TEMP) according to the minutes played by the WB players: players who had played 30 min to 40 min (WB_30-40), those who played 20 min to 30 min, and those who played 0 min to 20 min.

RESULTS

The WB_30-40 group attained statistically significantly higher results in mean HR than the other groups in league and playoff matches (p < .05; Δ% > -25.73%; ES > -1.31, large). With regard to the difference in each variable between league and playoff matches, the differences were highlighted in the WB_30-40 group according to ML (Edwards, p < .05, Δ% = -11.14%, ES = -0.87, large; Stagno's modified TRIMP, p < .05, Δ% = -16.95%, ES = -0.77, large). Tympanic temperature also reached higher values in playoff matches compared with league matches in WB_30-40 (p < .05; Δ% = 1.1%; ES = 0.67, moderate) but not in LA values.

CONCLUSIONS

Coaches should take into account that playoff matches were more demanding than league matches, thus forcing coaches to try to peak WB players' physical performance for the former.

Identifying the Incidence of Exercise Dependence Attitudes, Levels of Body Perception, and Preferences for Use of Fitness Technology Monitoring

Background: The study was focused on identifying the relationship between the incidence of exercise dependence attitudes, the level of body perception, and preferences for use of fitness technology monitoring. Methods: We investigated 241 students from physical education and sports specializations. We used a questionnaire structured in 5 parts: personal information (age, gender, weight, height, and institutional membership), Exercise Dependence Scale-R (EDS-21), the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Body perception questionnaire, and Fitness Monitoring Technology. Results: Application of EDS-21 revealed 8.3% with dependence and CET with 13.4%. Body mass index (BMI) in combination with self-image body: 18 (7.4%) of subjects over-estimated themselves, 18 (7.4%) of subjects underestimated themselves, 38.6% of the subjects were satisfied with their appearance, 17% were very satisfied and none were dissatisfied. A total of 36.1% thought they had the correct weight and 8.7% thought of losing weight. The most preferred monitoring technologies were the treadmill and the smartphone's fitness applications. A total of 11.6% of the subjects always used technologies, and 17% of subjects never did so. Conclusions: In order to identify the level of incidence of exercise dependence, body perception, and preference and frequency of use of monitoring technology, it is necessary to expand the level of knowledge about health and physical activities. The approach would diminish medical incidences of addiction, improve proactive behaviors, and correct prohealth.

The Effect of Small-Sided Game Formats on Physical and Technical Performance in Wheelchair Basketball

Purpose: To examine the effects of different small-sided games (SSGs) on physical and technical aspects of performance in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Design: Observational cohort study. Methods: Fifteen highly trained WB players participated in a single 5v5 (24-s shot clock) match and three 3v3 SSGs (18-s shot clock) on a (1) full court, (2) half-court, and (3) modified-length court. During all formats, players’ activity profiles were monitored using an indoor tracking system and inertial measurement units. Physiological responses were monitored via heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Technical performance, that is, ball handling, was monitored using video analysis. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (ESs) were calculated to determine the statistical significance and magnitude of any differences between game formats. Results: Players covered less distance and reached lower peak speeds during half-court (P ≤ .0005; ES ≥ very large) compared with all other formats. Greater distances were covered, and more time was spent performing moderate- and high-speed activity (P ≤ .008; ES ≥ moderate) during full court compared with all other formats. Game format had little bearing on physiological responses, and the only differences in technical performance observed were in relation to 5v5. Players spent more time in possession, took more shots, and performed more rebounds in all 3v3 formats compared with 5v5 (P ≤ .028; ES ≥ moderate). Conclusions: Court dimensions affect the activity profiles of WB players during 3v3 SSGs yet had little bearing on technical performance when time pressures (shot clocks) were constant. These findings have important implications for coaches to understand which SSG format may be most suitable for physically and technically preparing WB players.

Altering the Speed Profiles of Wheelchair Rugby Players With Game-Simulation Drill Design

PURPOSE

To examine the speed profiles of elite wheelchair rugby (WCR) players during game-simulation training drills of differing player number and shot-clock regulations. A secondary aim was to determine whether the profiles were further influenced by player classification.

METHODS

Eight elite WCR players (low-point n = 3, high-point n = 5) were monitored using a radio-frequency-based indoor tracking system during training sessions over a 5-mo period. Speed profiles were collected for 3 modified game-simulation drills-3-versus-3 drills (n = 8 observations), 30-s shot clock (n = 24 observations), and 15-s shot clock (n = 16 observations)-and were compared with regular game-simulation drills (4 vs 4, 40-s shot clock; n = 16 observations). Measures included mean and peak speed; exercise-intensity ratios, defined as the ratio of time spent performing at high and low speeds; and the number of high-speed activities performed.

RESULTS

Compared with regular game-simulation drills, 3-versus-3 drills elicited a moderate increase in mean speed (6.3%; effect size [ES] = 0.7) and the number of high-speed activities performed (44.1%; ES = 1.1). Minimal changes in speed profiles were observed during the 30-s shot clock, although moderate to large increases in all measures were observed during the 15-s shot-clock drills. Classification-specific differences were further identified, with increased activity observed for high-point players during the 3-versus-3 drill and for low-point players during the 15-s shot clock.

CONCLUSION

By reducing the number of players on court and the shot clock to 15 s, coaches can significantly increase elite WCR players' speed profiles during game-simulation drills.

Neuromuscular Responses and Physiological Changes During Small-Sided Games in Wheelchair Basketball

The aim was to analyze the changes of physical performance and physiological responses during a high-intensity training task in wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Thirteen Spanish first division WB male players participated in this study. A test battery (change of direction ability, sprints, and sled towing) was performed to study neuromuscular responses before (pre) and after (post) the small-sided games (SSG). Furthermore, tympanic temperature and blood lactate concentration were measured before and immediately after players finished the SSG. The SSG tasks consisted in four players against four, 4 bouts of 4 min with 2 min of recovery periods. There was a 1.10% decline in performance in both 5- and 20-m sprints (p < .01; effect size [ES] ≤ 0.14), 1.82% decline in 5-m sled towing (p < .05; ES = 0.18), and 2.68% decline in 20-m sled towing (p < .01; ES = 0.27) between pre- and post-SSG. As in physical performance results, significant differences were observed between pre and post in physiological markers, with increasing tympanic temperature (36.21 ± 0.60 °C to 36.97 ± 0.59 °C; p < .001; ES = 1.27) and blood lactate concentrations (1.95 ± 1.30 mmol/L to 5.84 ± 2.04 mmol/L; p < .001; ES = 2.99) after SSG. The SSG produced a decrease in sprint and sled towing performance after 16 min of intense exercise. Moreover, the decrease in physical performance was accompanied with an increase in physiological responses. These neuromuscular responses could be similar in the real game; thus, coaching staff could benefit from this information when changing bench players.

Load Monitoring Variables in Training and Competition Situations: A Systematic Review Applied to Wheelchair Sports

The aim of this review was to identify the main variables for load monitoring in training and competition situations in wheelchair sports. Studies were identified from a systematic search of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscuss), with search phrases constructed from MeSH terms, alone or in combination, limited to English-language literature, and published up to January 2016. Our main findings were that variables related to external load (distance, speed, and duration) are used to monitor load in competition. In training situations, researchers have used variables related to internal load (heart rate and VO₂); in both training and competition situations, researchers used internal load measurements (training impulse and ratings of perceived exertion). We conclude that the main variables for load monitoring in competitive situations were distance, speed, and duration, whereas the variables for training situations were heart rate, VO₂, training impulse, and ratings of perceived exertion.

The intensity and match load comparison between high spinal cord injury and non-spinal cord injury wheelchair basketball players: a case report

INTRODUCTION

This is a comparative case study between one high spinal cord injury (SCI) and two non-SCI players during an official wheelchair basketball (WB) match. The aim of the study was to calculate the differences in the absolute and relative HR responses and in the match load among one SCI and two non-SCI players in the same WB match.

CASE PRESENTATION

The study was conducted with first-division WB players in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain (2014). All of the participants had played the whole official WB match. Absolute heart rate (HR) in the test (10 m Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, YYIR1 10 m) as well as absolute and relative HR and match load (ML) were recorded for these three players in an official WB match.

DISCUSSION

The HRpeak and mean during the YYIR1 10 m test and the whole WB match were lower for the SCI player than the non-SCI players. However, as opposed to absolute HR values, relative HR values and ML reported very similar responses among SCI and non-SCI values. Moreover, in the high-intensity HR zone the values were similar among the three players but not in the low (<75% of HRpeak), moderate (75-85% of HRpeak) and maximal (>95% of HRpeak) HR zones. Although the absolute HR values were lower for the SCI player, the relative values and the ML were similar for all the players. Therefore, it could be necessary to use relative HR values to quantify the intensity of efforts in the WB matches.

Objective and subjective methods for quantifying training load in wheelchair basketball small-sided games

The aim of the present study was to analyse the training load in wheelchair basketball small-sided games and determine the relationship between heart rate (HR)-based training load and perceived exertion (RPE)-based training load methods among small-sided games bouts. HR-based measurements of training load included Edwards' training load and Stagno's training impulses (TRIMP_MOD) while RPE-based training load measurements included cardiopulmonary (session RPEres) and muscular (session RPEmus) values. Data were collected from 12 wheelchair basketball players during five consecutive weeks. The total load for the small-sided games sessions was 67.5 ± 6.7 and 55.3 ± 12.5 AU in HR-based training load (Edwards' training load and TRIMP_MOD), while the RPE-based training loads were 99.3 ± 26.9 (session RPEres) and 100.8 ± 31.2 AU (session RPEmus). Bout-to-bout analysis identified greater session RPEmus in the third [P < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.66, moderate] and fourth bouts (P < 0.05; ES = 0.64, moderate) than in the first bout, but other measures did not differ. Mean correlations indicated a trivial and small relationship among HR-based and RPE-based training loads. It is suggested that HR-based and RPE-based training loads provide different information, but these two methods could be complementary because one method could help us to understand the limitations of the other.