Psychophysiological characterisation of water polo: comparison between training sessions of a microcycle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the characteristics of 3 different training sessions from a microcycle of a highperformance male water polo team at the national level based on the Heart Rate (HR) intensity zones and the internal and external training loads. A total of 10 athletes were monitored during 3 sessions: the first and last of the microcycle and a practice match. Each athlete’s HR was monitored using a heart rate monitor. Internal load was assessed using the session’s Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPEs) and the Training Impulse (TRIMP) method, while external load was quantified by the total distance swum and the planned training intensity. Results indicated RPEs 400 ± 111 and TRIMP 159 ± 76 in session 1, RPEs 708 ± 79.9 and TRIMP 88 ± 44.3 in session 2, and RPEs 71 ± 0 and TRIMP 41 ± 23 in the practice match. The results highlighted that the specific external load of each training session may elicit different perceptions of internal load. Additionally, the sequence of training sessions within a microcycle can lead to the accumulation of internal load throughout the training period.