Differences in the external and internal load according to the player’s position

Background/Objectives: the load analysis in football has consolidated as an essential factor for optimising performance and reducing the injury risk in players at different competitive levels. External and internal loads in football present significant changes according to the player position, and these differences must be considered in the training plan and periodization of the load during the season and in injury prevention. The study aimed to evaluate and compare external, internal, and neuromuscular load in senior football players in Portugal across different players’ positions. Methods: Wimu ProTM (Hudl, Nebraska, United States) and Garmin Heart Rate bands (Garmin International Inc., Kansas, USA) were used to quantify and evaluate the external and internal load of the players. A total of 121 athletes were assessed which were divided into 5 player positions. Results: significant differences were observed between players’ positions across several external and neuromuscular load variables (p >0.001). Considering the distance, midfields reported higher mean values (118.20±12.41) compared to the other positions. Considering the Player Load, significant differences were reported among the different positions (p <0.001; ε² = 0.285) and Total Impacts/min (p <0.001; ε² = 0.312). Regarding the internal load (heart rate), a significant difference was observed for the variable Avg. HR (bpm) (p = 0.024; ε² = 0.062) when comparing GK with all the other positions. In the same line, the GKs were those who reflected the lowest values according to the Avg. HR. Conclusions: the inclusion of kinematics, neuromuscular, and cardiac variables allows the coaching staff a higher comprehension of the sports performance and facilitates the decision-making of the performance manager.