How to Combine Internal & External Training Load Monitoring

This article delves into the fundamentals of internal and external training loads, and why it is essential to monitor both.

Defining Internal and External Training Loads

According to Halson (2014), external load refers to the physical work completed by an athlete, which is measured independently of their internal characteristics. For instance, it can be quantified by distances covered, power output in cycling, number of laps in swimming, or counts of balls bowled in cricket.

Internal load, on the other hand, pertains to the physiological and psychological stress imposed on the athlete by the external work done. It is often measured using heart rate devices or subjective ratings such as the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE).

Why Measure Both Dimensions of Training Load?

While external load helps us understand the amount of work done, internal load provides insight into the athlete's stress response to this work. Capturing both dimensions allows a more comprehensive understanding of an athlete's training dose and their adaptation process.

Research emphasises the need for a multivariate approach to accurately assess training loads. This involves collecting multiple measures within both internal and external loads because:

1. Physiological Complexity: No single measure can fully capture the multifaceted nature of training loads.

2. Individual Differences: Different athletes exhibit unique relationships between internal and external loads.

3. Training Mode Variability: Different types of training impose varying stress levels on the athlete.

In the video below, we discuss how the relationship between internal and external training load can be used in sports science to assess athlete fitness fatigue status, including a case study demonstrating how a divergence in this relationship acted as a red flag without the need for additional fitness testing.

Capturing both internal and external training loads, employing a multivariate approach, and tailoring monitoring strategies to individual athletes allows for more precise training management. This comprehensive evaluation helps optimise training load programming and mitigate injury risks. For more insights into these topics, keep an eye out for future articles and videos.

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For more on tracking technologies, watch the Load Monitoring Insights playlist on the Global Performance Insights YouTube channel.

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