ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE CARGA INTERNA DE TREINAMENTO E INCIDÊNCIA DE LESÕES EM GINASTAS

Abstract

Internal training load has been widely used to monitor training intensity and the possible prevention of injuries in different sports. The current study aimed to analyze the association between internal training load parameters and sports injuries incidence in gymnasts with different performance levels during a sequential sports season. The casuistry consisted of 27 gymnasts, aging 8 to 17 years-old, and they were recruited in two different gymnastics training centers. The participants were allocated into two groups: high-level (HL) and medium-level (ML) athletes. The monitoring period totalized 28 weeks. Sports injuries incidence was monitored from a survey. The Perceived Effort Scale and the Total Quality of Recovery were used to monitor training load and recovery, respectively. As results, a total of 28 injury cases were reported, with a higher incidence (24) in the HL group, compared to 4 in the ML group. Furthermore, HL group showed greater training exposure and higher average weekly load, as well as higher values of monotony and strain when compared to the ML group, with p<0.001. The ACWR remained lower in HL than ML group in all evaluated moments. The TQR values were satisfactory throughout the entire study period. Higher training load values were directly associated with the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in high-level gymnasts.