Monitoring Training Load and Wellness of Female Footballers Transitioning Between Club and National Teams [Article Review]

This article, "Monitoring Training Load and Wellness of Female Footballers Transitioning Between Club and National Teams," investigates how training and match loads, as well as players' perceived wellness, fluctuate as elite female footballers move between their club and national team commitments. The study tracked 42 Australian national team players over seven tournaments between 2019 and 2021, using self-reported session counts, session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), and wellness questionnaires. By analyzing these data in weekly segments before, during, and after national team duties, the researchers aimed to clarify the unique demands and challenges posed by these transitions—a critical issue for performance and medical staff seeking to optimize player preparation, recovery, and injury prevention.

Study Design and Methods

The research collected daily training load (session count and s-RPE) and wellness data from players during two weeks before national team duty, throughout the national team period, and two weeks after returning to their clubs. This approach allowed for a granular comparison of the transitional periods both into and out of national team environments. Data were compiled using an online platform, with players self-reporting while at clubs and staff recording data during national team camps. Wellness was assessed via a four-item questionnaire covering fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep quality, and stress, scored on a 7-point Likert scale.

Key Findings

• Transition Into National Team (Club → NT):

  • Training and total session counts increased significantly in the first week with the national team compared to the prior two weeks at the club (p < 0.0001, ES > 0.67).

  • Training s-RPE also increased (p = 0.012, ES = 0.35), indicating higher perceived exertion in training sessions.

  • Conversely, match count and match s-RPE decreased during this transition (p < 0.05, ES < -0.34), reflecting fewer matches and lower exertion during matches in national team camp compared to club play.

• Transition Out of National Team (NT → Club):

  • Training session count, match count, and total session count all decreased significantly in the first week back at the club (p < 0.05, ES < -0.37 to -0.86).

  • Both match and total s-RPE saw significant reductions (p < 0.0001, ES < -0.63).

  • Training and total session counts, as well as training s-RPE, increased again in the second week back at the club, indicating a ramp-up after the initial post-camp drop.

• Perceived Wellness:

  • Across all periods, perceived wellness scores (covering fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep, and stress) did not show significant differences (p > 0.05, ES = -0.34 to 0.35). This suggests that, despite fluctuations in training and match loads, players’ self-reported wellness remained relatively stable throughout transitions.

    
    

Interpretation

These findings highlight that the transition into national team duty is characterized by an increase in training load but a decrease in match exposure, while the return to club play sees an initial drop in both training and match loads before a gradual increase. The stability in wellness scores may reflect effective load management or the resilience of elite female players, but it also underscores the need for careful monitoring as subjective wellness may not always mirror objective load changes.

Conclusion and Practical Application for Sport Performance Coaches

This study provides crucial insights for sport performance coaches managing elite female footballers who frequently transition between club and national team environments. The clear fluctuations in training and match loads during these periods underscore the importance of:

• Consistent Load Monitoring: Use standardized, simple tools like session count and s-RPE to track both training and match exposures across club and national team settings. This ensures continuity and enables timely adjustments to prevent under- or over-training.

• Communication Between Staff: Foster strong communication channels between club and national team staff to share load data and coordinate training and recovery plans, minimizing the risk of injury due to sudden load changes.

• Individualized Recovery Strategies: Recognize that while group wellness scores may not change significantly, individual responses can vary. Monitor players closely for signs of fatigue or maladaptation, especially after transitions, and adjust workloads accordingly.

• Education and Athlete Engagement: Educate players on the importance of accurate self-reporting and engage them in discussions about their perceived wellness to enhance compliance and data quality.

By applying these monitoring and communication strategies, sport performance coaches can better support athlete health, optimize performance, and reduce injury risk during the critical transitions between club and national team duties.

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