Assessing within-week changes in internal and external training demands for professional goalkeepers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118619Keywords:
goalkeeper , training, performance, internal load, external load, soccerAbstract
Introduction: In soccer, goalkeepers hold a vital and highly specialized position that demands unique physical and functional qualities, distinguishing them clearly from outfield players.
Objective: The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the internal and external workload profiles of elite male goalkeepers across various training sessions within a structured weekly microcycle.
Methodology: Four professional goalkeepers were recruited through direct invitations. Internal load was quantified using the Rating of Perceived Exertion, while external demands included measures such as duration, total distance covered, accelerations exceeding 3 m/s², decelerations below -3 m/s², maximum acceleration, and maximum deceleration.
Results: The analysis demonstrated that internal load, based on RPE, significantly fluctuated across the microcycle, p= 0.001, η2 partial = 0.91), with peaks immediately post-match and reductions during recovery days. External workload measures such as distance, p= 0.05, η2 partial = 0.34, accelerations +3 m/s², p= 0.001, η2 partial = 0.91, and decelerations −3 m/s², p= 0.001, η2 partial = 0.91, also showed significant differences, particularly between post-match and mid-weekdays.
Discussion: This study highlights that internal and external workloads in elite goalkeepers fluctuate significantly throughout the weekly microcycle, RPE reaches its highest points on MD+3 and immediately following matches. Accelerations +3 m/s², and decelerations +3 m/s²—surpassing -3 m/s², also fluctuate throughout the microcycle, with peak values observed on MD+3.
Conclusion: Monitoring both loads provides valuable insights for tailoring individualized training and recovery strategies. Future research should aim to develop real-time systems to further optimize workload management and injury prevention.
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