Examination of training intensity and distribution based on heart rate data in football
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the heart rate (HR) data of professional football players during a technically focused training session to examine how training intensity and physiological load distribution differ according to players’ positions and age groups. The study included 22 male football players (8 defenders, 8 midfielders, 6 forwards) from a professional football team. During the approximately 90-minute training session, players’ HR data were collected using the Polar Team Pro system. Minimum (HRmin), average (HRavg), and peak (HRmax) HR values were recorded for each player. Training intensity was evaluated based on the time spent in five different HR zones defined by percentages of players’ HRmax (50-59%, 60-69%, 70-79%, 80-89%, 90-100%). Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis, with the significance level set at p<0.05. In comparisons by position, the average heart rate of forwards (147.3 ± 3.8 bpm) was found to be statistically significantly higher than that of defenders (141.5 ± 4.2 bpm) (p=0.050). Furthermore, it was found that forwards spent significantly more time in the highest intensity HR zone of 90-100% compared to defenders (p=0.048). No significant difference was found in peak heart rate (HRmax) among positions. In the analysis between age groups, the peak heart rate of players in the 21-25 age group (191.8 ± 2.9 bpm) was significantly higher than that of the 26-30 age group (189.7 ± 2.6 bpm) (p=0.009). The research findings indicate that the physiological load in football training varies considerably according to player positions and that forwards, in particular, are exposed to higher cardiovascular stress. These results support the need for training programs to be tailored to the individual roles and physiological characteristics of players to optimize performance and reduce injury risk