Analysis of Internal Training Load and Sports Injuries Incidence in Gymnasts of Different Exposure Levels

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Internal training load has been widely used to monitor training intensity and to prevent injuries in different sports. This study aimed to analyze the association between internal training parameters and sports injury incidence in gymnasts based on different training week exposure levels during a sequential sports season. Methods: The participants consisted of 27 gymnasts, aged 8 to 17 years old, recruited into two gymnastics training centers. The subjects were allocated into two groups: medium exposure (ME) and low exposure (LE) athletes. The monitoring period totaled 28 weeks. A survey was conducted to monitor sports injury incidence. The Perceived Effort Scale and the Total Quality of Recovery were applied to monitor training load and recovery, respectively. Results: A total of 28 injury cases were reported, with a higher incidence (24) in the ME group than in the LE group. Furthermore, the ME group demonstrated a significant increase in the average weekly load, as well as higher values of monotony and strain compared to the LE group (p < 0.001). The acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was lower in the ME than in the LE group in all training periods. The total quality recovery (TQR) exhibited a peak during the competitive training period in the ME group, whereas strain showed a direct effect on this result. Conclusions: Increased training load values were linked to the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in gymnasts submitted to different training week exposure levels. Likewise, the high values of internal training load were shown to be related to impaired recovery during a competitive period within a 28-week follow-up.