Intensity Gradients: A Novel Method for Interpreting External Loads in Football

• DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0435
• Publication Date: 2024-06-19T18:50:04Z
• Authors: Ruairidh McGregor; Liam Anderson; Matthew Weston; Thomas Brownlee; Barry Drust
• Keywords: Team sport; Intensity; Football team; Position (finance)

Purpose : Global navigation satellite system device–derived metrics are commonly represented by discrete zones with intensity often measured standardizing volume to per-minute of activity duration. This approach is sensitive imprecision in duration measurement and can lead highly variable outcomes—transforming data from a gradient may overcome this problem. The purpose study was critically evaluate for measuring team-sport demands. Methods Data were collected 129 first-team 73 academy matches Scottish Premiership football club. Gradients calculated velocity, acceleration, deceleration zones, along values several used metrics. Means 95% CIs playing level, as well positional groups. Within-subject coefficients variation also match position, individual Results showed consistency when level position With 10.8% 26.9%, the gradients demonstrated lower variability than most variables, which ranged 10.7% 84.5%. Conclusions potentially useful way describing team sports compare favorably existing variables their ability distinguish between types groups, providing evidence that be monitor training sports.