Table 6 Summary of methods utilized or emerging to quantify athlete training load to monitor recovery and performance
From: Wearable sensors for monitoring the internal and external workload of the athlete
Method | Used today in sports | Wearables utilized | Metrics | Advantages/disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Questionnaire | Yes | No | Verbal or written form | Advantage: Easy to conduct |
Disadvantage: Highly variable; often inaccurate | ||||
Session-rate of perceived exertion | Yes | No | Scale from 1 to 9 detailing intensity of workout. Scale used in conjunction with workout duration to determine load | Advantage: Easy to assess |
Disadvantage: Highly variable; often inaccurate | ||||
Blood lactate | Yes (emerging) | No | Concentration | Advantage: Used to predict anaerobic threshold (kicks in when exercise is increased and the aerobic system can no longer keep up with the body’s energy system |
Disadvantage: Cost, inefficient, time-varying process | ||||
Tri-axial accelerometers and GPS | Yes | Yes: Catapult, Zebra | Acceleration, location, and velocity used to compute PlayerLoad (arbitrary unit) to derive ACWR | Advantage: Easy to utilize |
Disadvantage: Variability in sensor technology could lead to inaccuracy. Need to develop algorithms to filter noise (e.g. player moving on the sideline compared to on-field performance) | ||||
Heart rate | No | Yes: Apple Watch, Fitbit, Polar | Time in HR zones, HRV | Advantage: Easy to collect large data sets for robust analysis |
Disadvantage: Variability in sensor technology could lead to inaccuracy. Sensor location attributed to deviations. | ||||
Muscle oxygen saturation | No | Yes: Humon Hex | SmO2 levels stratified into workout zones | Advantage: Easy to collect large data sets |
Disadvantage: Need for validation of models | ||||
No | No devices used to monitor training load and recovery directly. Indirect measures include monitoring hydration levels and sweat rate | Concentration | Advantage: Insight into the biochemistry of the athlete to predict hypohydration, hyponatremia, and fatigue. | |
Disadvantage: Technology still developing. Need to develop predictive analytics based on the biochemical profile of the athlete |
