Case Study on IMU Loads and Fatigue Monitoring

This document is a case study examining the monitoring of training loads and self-reported fatigue in water polo goalkeepers preparing for the Olympic Games. The study involved three female senior national team goalkeepers and spanned from May to August 2021. Internal loads were assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), while external loads were measured with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) placed on the lower back. A total of 247 training sessions were recorded, with significant correlations found between various IMU metrics and sRPE. The results indicated that self-reported outcomes varied significantly among athletes, while IMU metrics showed variability across different training situations. The study concluded that effective monitoring of training loads in water polo goalkeepers can be achieved by combining self-reported and IMU-derived measures, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection for optimizing training and minimizing injuries.