How to Use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Data to Monitor Training Load in the “Real World” of Elite Soccer

Abstract

[EN] Modern physical training in elite sport is characterized by the systematic and continuous
\nassessment of data on competitive and training performances (Clemente et al., 2019a). In team
\nsports, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology is probably the most used monitoring tool to
\nrecord workloads during training and competitions (Akenhead and Nassis, 2016).
\nIn soccer, the training load (TL) has previously been defined as the input variable that is
\nmanipulated to elicit the desired training response (Impellizzeri et al., 2019) and it can be
\ndifferentiated into external and internal loads (Jaspers et al., 2017). While external TL refers to the
\noverall activities of a player, internal TL encompasses the psycho-physiological stress imposed on
\nthe player’s body (Jaspers et al., 2017). Both internal and external TLs represent the cumulative
\nexposure of each player to training and competitions (Jaspers et al., 2018). TL can be assessed
\nby means of internal and external measures (Impellizzeri et al., 2019). For internal measures,
\nheart rate or rating of perceived exertion have traditionally been applied (Owen et al., 2015).
\nFor external measures, GPS data have proven to be a valid and reliable means (Nikolaidis et al.,
\n2018). GPS measures time motion parameters represented by the distance covered and the number
\nof efforts at different running velocities (e.g., up to 25.2 km/h), as well as bouts of acceleration
\nand deceleration throughout an activity (e.g., up to 3 m/s² or −3 m/s², respectively) at different
\nintensities (Akenhead and Nassis, 2016) over a few meters which are too short to reach high speed
\nrunning (Varley et al., 2017).