Relationships between internal and external training load demands and match load demands in elite women volleyball players.

This study examines the relationships between internal and external load demands during training and matches in elite female volleyball players, using data from 14 world-class athletes over a 10-month period. Internal load was measured via the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) multiplied by session duration, while external load was tracked using a local positioning system (LPS) that recorded variables such as jumps, accelerations, decelerations, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD). Moderate to strong positive correlations were found between training and match loads for several external load parameters, including jumps and accelerations, indicating that increases in training load correspond to increases in match load. Regression analyses revealed that certain external load variables positively or negatively influenced internal load measures, highlighting the complexity of workload monitoring. The findings support the use of electronic tracking technologies to help coaches and sports scientists optimize training programs tailored to the specific demands of elite female volleyball, with implications for performance enhancement and injury risk reduction.