Acelt and player load: Two variables to quantify neuromuscular load

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (i) describe the dynamics of Player Load and AcelT and (ii) analyze the neuromuscular load in different anatomical locations (scapulae, center of mass, knee and ankle) in an incremental test in treadmill. Twenty-three semiprofessional male football players participated voluntarily in this research (age: 22.56±4.8 years; body mass: 75.5±5.5 kg; height: 1.79±0.5 m). Four WIMUPRO™ inertial devices were utilized for recording both variables. The main results indicated that: (1) exists a nearly perfect relation between both variables (r>0.931), (2) the highest values were in knee (PLRT = 8.01±2.76; AcelT = 2.70±.50) and in ankle (PL = 7.85±2.27; AcelT = 2.87±.49) and (3) a great variability was found between athletes. In conclusion, Player Load and AcelT are two valid variables to analyze and quantify neuromuscular demands.