Table 1.
Overview of common tool/measures used by researchers to monitor training load.
| Category of training load | Variable examined | Tests or Methods of collection | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| External load: defined as the work completed by the athlete, measured independently of their individual characteristics (Wallace et al., 2009) | Power output | Various devices | Pyne and Martin, 2011 |
| Neuromuscular function | Jump tests—CMJ or SJ performance | Twist and Highton, 2013 | |
| Sprint performance | Twist and Highton, 2013 | ||
| Time-motion analysis | GPS tracking | Aughey, 2011; Halson, 2014 | |
| Movement pattern analysis via digital video | Taylor et al., 2012; Halson (2014) | ||
| Internal load: related to physiological and psychological stress imposed (Wallace et al., 2009) | Perception of effort | Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) | Borresen and Ian Lambert, 2009 |
| Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) | Foster, 1998 | ||
| Heart rate measures | Heart rate (HR) | Hopkins, 1991 | |
| HR to RPE | Martin and Andersen, 2000 | ||
| HR recovery (HRR) | Daanen et al., 2012 | ||
| HR variability (HRV) | Plews et al., 2013 | ||
| Training Impulse (TRIMP) | Morton et al., 1990; Pyne and Martin, 2011 | ||
| Qualitative questionnaires* | Profile of Mood States (ROMS) | Morgan et al., 1987 | |
| Recovery Stress Questionnaires for Athletes (REST-Q) | Kallus and Kellmann, 2016 | ||
| Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes (DALDA) | Rushall, 1990 | ||
| Total Recovery Scale (TQR) | Kenttä and Hassmén, 1998 |
*
indicates variable/monitoring tool that is most appropriate for use by a sport psychologist or licensed psychologist.