Monitoring training loads, mood states, and jump performance over two periodized training mesocycles in elite young volleyball players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of the periodized training program on internal training load, mood states, and vertical jump capacity of young volleyball players. Internal training load was measured using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method. To assess mood states, the profile of mood states questionnaire was completed once a week. The vertical jump tests were performed before and after training period. The main findings were (1) the internal training load was greater during the preparatory mesocycle than during the competitive mesocycle, for both U16 and U19 groups; (2) the U19 completed a higher training load during preparatory mesocycle than U16; (3) despite the differences in the periodized training program, the U16 group presented a higher value for the total mood disturbance and for the subscales, tension, depression, anger, and fatigue; and (4) the vertical jump performance increased from the beginning to the end of the nine-week training period for U16 and U19 groups.