Monitoring internal training load, stress tolerance and occurrence of infection in young soccer players

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the internal training load and its association with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infections (ssURTI) and stress tolerance in 26 under-18 soccer players during four weeks of training in preparation for a state championship. The Rating of perceived exertion of the session (RPE-session) was used to determine the internal training load. To assess stress tolerance (ST) and ssURTI, Dalda and WURSS-21 questionnaires were used. There were significant correlations between stress tolerance and symptoms of URTI in the weeks 2, 3 and 4 (r=0,75; r=0,61; r=0,59, respectively). No significant differences were observed to RPE-session, ST and ssURTI across the investigated period. In summary, the present results showed significant relationship between strain training and ssITRS suggesting that the ability to cope with stress needs to be considered in monitoring young soccer players.

Soccer; Training; Respiratory tract infections