Monitoring training load, fatigue and performance of competitive varsity cheerleaders

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to determine if (1) there is a relationship between training load (TL), wellness and performance of competitive varsity cheerleaders; and (2) if wellness questionnaires reflect fatigue measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Methods: 25 cheerleaders (17 males, 8 females) from NTU were invited to participate in the study which lasted 6 weeks with wellness questionnaires, vertical jump tests, R-R interval recordings and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) collected over 13 training sessions. R-R intervals were used to calculate root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD). Results: Independent samples t-test found that bases jump higher than flyers (p<0.01). Partial Spearman’s correlation found no statistical significance between TL and wellness, and wellness and jump height for all participants (p>0.05). Significant correlation was found between TL and jump height in 2 out of 19 participants (p<0.05). Pearson’s correlation found statistical significance in wellness and HRV in 2 out of 6 participants (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found no relationship between TL, wellness and jump height in competitive varsity cheerleaders. Wellness questionnaires also do not reflect fatigue status indicated by HRV.