ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare the internal load coming from different training strategies in volleyball athletes and that planned by the coach. Seventeen male athletes (22.8 ± 2.9 years of age), national university level, participated in a training period and were randomized into three groups: Plyometric training with weight vests (PVG), technical-tactical training with weight vests (TVG) and control group (CG). Vests were equal to 7.5% body mass (BM) and all groups participated in the same training routines. Six training weeks were monitored from the method of ratings of perceived exertion (Session-RPE). Prior to sessions, the coach ranked Session-RPE estimation based on the previously prepared planning and after sessions, the Session-RPE of each athlete was recorded to analyze the cumulative total weekly training load (Cumulative-TWTL). One-way ANOVA was used to compare Cumulative-TWTL among groups and to compare the Session-RPE of groups in each session with that predicted by the coach. No difference in Cumulative-TWTL among groups was observed (p<0.05) and only in session 21, the Session-RPE of CG was higher than that predicted by the coach (p<0.05). It was concluded that the use of weight vests (7.5% BM) did not alter the training responses in the study athletes, with Session-RPE being in line with the load planned by the coach.
Key words
Hypergravity; Muscle strength; Physical fitness
