Latent variable dose–response modelling of external training load measures and musculoskeletal responses in elite rugby league players

Establishing dose–response relationships between training load and fatigue can help the planning of training. The aim was to establish relative importance external measurements relate musculoskeletal response on a group individual player level. Sixteen elite male rugby league players were monitored across three seasons. Two- seven-day exponential weighted averages (EWMA) calculated for total distance, individualised speed thresholds (via 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test) derived from global positioning systems. sit reach, dorsiflexion lunge, adductor squeeze tests represented response. Partial least squares repeated measures correlation analyses established then investigated their relationship collective through construction latent variables. On level, 2- 3-day EWMA distance had highest (p < 0.0001). However, magnitude (r value = 0.20) 0.06) level trivial small. lack variability in over time suggest practitioners adopting such understand acute responses should do so with caution.