Charge d’entraînement : de la définition duconcept aux méthodes de quantification Training load: From concept definition to quantification methods

Objective. — As the concept of training load grows in popularity, inconsistencies in definitions
and quantification methods used in literature are more and more apparent. To limit such disagreements,
principles founding the concept were studied to propose an operational definition
of training load that was subsequently used to analyze the accuracy of quantification methods.
News. — Training load might be defined as the value describing the dose of effort induced by the
combination of the exercise variables. Training load metrics should not be skewed by excess
weighting of exercise volume, intensity, or density. Early methods based on the product of intensity,
volume, and density do not take into account the non-linear nature of increases in their
components, and volume is overexpressed in their training load calculations. Conversely, fatigue
achievement may accurately reflect the combined effects of all exercise variables by signaling
the maximal psychophysiological stress and in consequence maximal attainable training load.
Prospects and projects. — Fatigue-based quantification methods require better understanding
and knowledge of exercise maximums. Probably new technologies for athletes monitoring might
help to identify and record such maximums.
Conclusion. — The present paper supported that for comparisons of exercises effects and to
accumulate exercises of a program in total training load, the dose should be expressed relative
to exercises maximums what drives to fatigue-based quantification methods.