Examining how heavy training affects elite soccer athletes
As athletes and coaches work to outperform their competition, physical training becomes a key resource for gaining an advantage. However, new research led by a University of Oklahoma faculty member shows that heavier training loads can hurt next-day performance, suggesting coaches should consider each athlete's individual needs.
An elite collegiate women's soccer team experienced negative effects on their recovery, wellness, and performance after intense training days, according to a recent study led by Sam Moore, a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma. The researchers monitored the athletes' daily training loads, which included total distance traveled and high-speed running during practices and matches, to understand how these factors impacted their next-day performance.
On average, when the training load was significantly higher than usual, the athletes suffered from worse sleep recovery, lower wellness scores, and slower speed performance the following day. Moore emphasized that while higher training loads can be detrimental, they may be beneficial during specific phases of the season when building fitness is more important than maintaining maximum speed.
The study found that for every 100 meters of additional high-speed running, the athletes' next-day maximum speed decreased by 1 kilometer per hour. The research highlights the importance of tailoring training loads to individual athletes to optimize their performance and recovery. Moore, who has personal experience with knee injuries and rehabilitation, aims to further investigate the effects of creatine on female athletes, particularly during different phases of their menstrual cycles.
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