Workload monitoring is an important element of every day practice in football, aiming at optimizing training practice and reducing the risk of injury and illness. Practitioners use a variety of tools (GPS, heart rate monitoring, RPE, biological markers) to assess the internal and external workload. There is also a variety of variables used in the analysis especially with regards to the external load assessment. Indeed, multiple parameters are being used in the GPS analysis, not always associated with team sport performance and injury risk. Despite the widespread use of workload monitoring, injury occurrence continues to rise or in the best-case scenario remain stable. Do we need to reconsider our approach?
Under this perceptive, the aim of this Research Topic is to stimulate discussions on the use of proper tools and proper data analysis in workload monitoring. This is a call of action for further applied research on the topic applying a multidisciplinary, innovative approach. Studies including new approaches (i.e., new GPS devices), new metrics, new analytical thinking, and a more holistic, integrated approach are welcome. With regards to the latter point, submission of studies integrating physical and mental load metrics are encouraged. Studies in other team sports with potential applications in football will also be considered. The type of articles could include Reviews, Original Research and Commentaries. In particular, we would suggest the submitted manuscript to address the “What should we do?” and “Why is this paper important for the everyday practice?”.
Subthemes of interest include (but are not limited to):
• Whole body and mechanical workload monitoring
• External and internal load metrics validation
• Individualized thresholds in workload monitoring
• Integration of physical, mechanical and mental workload monitoring
• Novel approaches in data analysis
• Gender issues
Workload monitoring is an important element of every day practice in football, aiming at optimizing training practice and reducing the risk of injury and illness. Practitioners use a variety of tools (GPS, heart rate monitoring, RPE, biological markers) to assess the internal and external workload. There is also a variety of variables used in the analysis especially with regards to the external load assessment. Indeed, multiple parameters are being used in the GPS analysis, not always associated with team sport performance and injury risk. Despite the widespread use of workload monitoring, injury occurrence continues to rise or in the best-case scenario remain stable. Do we need to reconsider our approach?
Under this perceptive, the aim of this Research Topic is to stimulate discussions on the use of proper tools and proper data analysis in workload monitoring. This is a call of action for further applied research on the topic applying a multidisciplinary, innovative approach. Studies including new approaches (i.e., new GPS devices), new metrics, new analytical thinking, and a more holistic, integrated approach are welcome. With regards to the latter point, submission of studies integrating physical and mental load metrics are encouraged. Studies in other team sports with potential applications in football will also be considered. The type of articles could include Reviews, Original Research and Commentaries. In particular, we would suggest the submitted manuscript to address the “What should we do?” and “Why is this paper important for the everyday practice?”.
Subthemes of interest include (but are not limited to):
• Whole body and mechanical workload monitoring
• External and internal load metrics validation
• Individualized thresholds in workload monitoring
• Integration of physical, mechanical and mental workload monitoring
• Novel approaches in data analysis
• Gender issues