Comparison of perceived internal load between coaches and swimmers in Costa Rica

Authors

  • Julián Álvarez-Gómez Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • María F. Hidalgo-Corrales Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • Carlos David Gómez-Carmona University of Zaragoza image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4084-8124 (unauthenticated)
  • Gerardo Araya-Vargas Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • Fabián Vízquez-Ulate Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica
  • Daniel Rojas-Valverde Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.2.2025.21460

Keywords:

rated perceived exertion, exercise intensity, monitoring, performance, concordance

Abstract

This study examined the concordance between perceived internal training load among Costa Rican swimmers (n=24) and their coaches (n=3) across three national teams. Using Foster's Formula, 54 training sessions were analyzed over four weeks. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in 13 of 54 sessions. High-intensity sessions showed the lowest concordance values (Team 1=33.3%, Team 2=31.3%, Team 3=2.8%) with substantial underestimation rates (Team 1=66.7%, Team 2=68.7%, Team 3=97.2%). Medium-intensity sessions demonstrated moderate concordance (~60%), while low-intensity sessions showed the highest agreement (Team 1=87.5%, Team 3=100%, except Team 2=42.9%). Longitudinal analysis revealed distinct temporal patterns among teams. The pronounced divergence during high-intensity training suggests systematic underestimation by swimmers, potentially impairing physiological adaptations and performance outcomes. These findings highlight the need for improved load monitoring strategies and communication in competitive swimming environments.

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2025-12-03

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Comparison of perceived internal load between coaches and swimmers in Costa Rica . (2025). Revista Iberoamericana De Ciencias De La Actividad Física Y El Deporte, 14(2), 248-262. https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.2.2025.21460