Effect of the Length of the Microcycle on the Daily External Load, Fatigue, Sleep Quality, Stress, and Muscle Soreness of Professional Soccer Players: A Full-Season Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the length of the microcycle (ie, training period from the day after the match to the following match) on the daily external load and perceived wellness of professional soccer players (Spanish LaLiga Smartbank).

Hypothesis: The length of the microcycle has a significant effect on the daily external load and perceived wellness.

Study Design: Longitudinal study.

Level Of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Data were collected daily during a full season using perceived wellness questionnaires and electronic performance and tracking systems.

Results: The length of the microcycle had a significant effect on volume- and intensity-related external load variables. There were differences between short, regular, and long microcycles depending on the day of the microcycle. These differences were observed in all external load variables. However, no significant differences between short, regular, or long microcycles were found on match day for any external load variable, except for high-intensity decelerations. Regarding the perceived wellness, the length of the microcycle had no effect on these variables, and there were no significant interactions between the length and the day of the microcycle.

Conclusion: The length of the microcycle had a significant effect on volume- and intensity-related external load variables, but no significant effect on perceived wellness was observed.

Clinical Relevance: These data may help strength and conditioning coaches understand that workload periodization should take this contextual variable into account, especially for external training load. In addition, this study may serve as a guide for practitioners to know the physical requirements of professional soccer players in Spanish LaLiga Smartbank, because the weekly external load profile and perceived wellness have been reported for different lengths of the microcycles. Thus, these data may be used for player load management.