Background: Managing training loads is one of the foremost external risk factors in football injuries. Among the metrics of training loads, the variables of distance covered, serving as external training load, and the session rating of perceived exertion (S-RPE) variable in each session, serving as internal training load, are indicators of training intensity that have been relatively overlooked in their correlation. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between the variable of distance covered and the variable of S-RPE among the players of the Iranian Premier League football.
Methodology: Twenty-five players from one of the teams in the Iranian Premier League football season 1401-1402, with an average age of 26.1±3.2 years, weight of 77.5±7.6 kilograms, height of 1.82±0.07 meters, and a body mass index of 23.4±1, participated in this study. The GPS and S-RPE data of these players in each training session and match throughout an entire season were recorded by the team's analysis staff. For each player individually, the average distance covered and S-RPE in all training sessions or matches held in that week were calculated. Subsequently, the average of both variables among all players in each week was computed. Finally, the relationship between the two aforementioned variables was examined using the Pearson correlation test.
Results: The Pearson correlation test revealed a strong and positive relationship between the distance covered variable (5064.22±39 m) and the S-RPE (362.87±39) (r=0.762, p=0.0001).
Conclusion: The research findings reveal a strong and positive correlation between the S-RPE variable and the distance covered. Therefore, coaches and football managers are encouraged to consider using the S-RPE variable as an indicator of training intensity, either independently or in conjunction with the distance covered variable. This recommendation holds particular relevance in situations where the implementation of GPS equipment is impractical. Such an approach can significantly contribute to more effective management of training load increments and the prevention of sports injuries.