EXAMINING INERTIAL LOADS AND ACCELERATION DURING PRESEASON AND COMPETITIVE SEASON GAMES IN COLLEGIATE SOCCER PLAYERS

BACKGROUND: Advancements in wearable technology allow for collection of external workload outcomes such as inertial load (IL) and acceleration zones (AZ) during athletic activities. An athlete’s IL and AZs data can provide useful insight for athletic personnel to set appropriate training loads during the season. PURPOSE: This study examined IL and AZ differences during games in both preseason (PS) and the competitive season (CS) (PS: 2 weeks, CS: 10 weeks), in collegiate male soccer players. IL was calculated using the player load formula and is described as an athlete’s position relative to a starting point. AZs were determined by the sensor developers and are categorized into five zones ranging from 1-2 m/s2 to 5-6 m/s2. METHODS: Eighteen (age: 19.6 ± 1.2 years, height: 180.7 ± 8.3 cm, mass: 75.6 ± 7.4 kg) Division-I collegiate male soccer players were monitored using wearable Global Positioning Systems (GPS). A 10 Hz Titan +1 (2”x1.5”x0.25”) sensor (Houston, Texas, United States) was secured via jersey resting between the scapulae of each participant and was used to track every game across the PS and CS. Fifteen minutes prior to a game, sensors were activated and distributed by the coaches to allow for adequate synchronization. Following the completion of each game, sensors were collected immediately. To ensure sufficient monitoring throughout the season, participants were omitted from analysis if <75% of the total number of sessions were not recorded (n = 2). A series of paired samples t-tests with an alpha level of p < 0.05 were used to compare differences in IL and AZs between PS and CS games. RESULTS: Paired samples t-tests revealed significant differences between PS game IL (429.1 ± 291.7 m/s3) and CS game IL (653.3 ± 399.9 m/s3) (p < .05). These tests also showed significant differences between each AZ in PS and CS games (p < .01). CONCLUSION: Significant differences within the PS/CS game IL signifies there is an increase in the change of direction and position within a CS game compared to a PS game. The significant differences in AZ’s signify that athletes are increasing their time spent accelerating and changing speed in the CS games compared to PS games. This study provides athletic personnel with reports that can aid in forming appropriate training programs based on the demands of game play within the CS.