Does Load Matter? The Effects of Training Load on Injury and Illness in Division I Female Soccer Players Original Research
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Keywords
Exertion, Recovery, Competitive
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to measure and examine the relationship between training load and the occurrence of injury and illness in collegiate women's soccer players during one competitive season.
Methods: Collegiate women’s soccer players (n=24, ages 18-22) participated in data collection over one competitive season (13 weeks). Polar Team Pro GPS were used to measure heart rate and training load, while injury and illnesses were recorded and scored by the team athletic trainer. Welch’s ANOVA was used to compare group means of training load across injury and illness groups.
Results: Welch’s ANOVA suggested that training load did not show a statistically significant difference in injury/illness outcome means across the groups and no effect was detected, F (2, 732) = 2.996, p = 0.05, η2 = .004.
Conclusions: Training load did not have a significant association with the occurrence of injury and illness in collegiate women’s soccer athletes.
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