Monitoring Training Load on Malaysian Rugby 15s Players

Background. In order to minimize overtraining, a reliable method is required to analyze training loads. Objectives. The objective of this study was to see if session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) is a valuable tool for tracking changes in perceived training load and strain among Malaysia rugby 15-a-side players during preparation for a significant game. Methods. Twenty-eight (n=28) elite rugby 15’s players completed an eight-week training program that included six weeks of intensive training (IT) and two weeks of reduced training (RT). They were put to the Bronco Test before IT (T0), after IT (T1), and after RT (T2). The sRPE approach was used to quantify the perceived training load and strain. Acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was used to determine the training load sensitivity, monotony, and strain among players. Results. Results showed that the team stated a higher acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) during the first and second week of training and slightly reduced before entering the pre-competition phase and the following week (competitions phase). The result for Bronco Test has shown more remarkable improvement starting from the first week of training, the fourth week of training before entering the competition phase, and the sixth week of training during the competition phase. This study’s findings suggest a sensitive tool, ACWR, for monitoring changes in training load and strain in team-sport athletes. The change in session rate perceived exertion and total score of well-being/wellness correlated significantly over the training period (r =-0.41, P < 0.05). Conclusion. To conclude, combining the short fatigue questionnaire with the session-RPE approach for perceived changes in training load and strain may provide extra information on the athletes’ condition, helping coaches avoid overreaching or overtraining.