Perceived exertion, stress and upper respiratory tract illness in female elite canoeing flatwater

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the behavior of session rating of perceived exertion (session RPE), perception of sources and symptoms of stress and perception of occurrence and incidence of upper respiratory tract illness symptoms (URTI) in elite canoeing flatwater female athletes, during 7 weeks of preparation for an international championship. The methods used were the session RPE, DALDA and WURSS-21. The ANOVA of Friedman was applied on the dependent variables. The level of significance was established in 5%. Wilcoxon test was used as post-hoc with the adjustment of Bonferroni when necessary. The session RPE showed significant differences between the taper weeks and the overload weeks (intensified training). Significant differences for the Part B of the DALDA (symptoms of stress) have been demonstrated. To URTI symptoms, significant differences were between the week of greater volume of training (week 1) and the remaining of investigated weeks, except with week 2. The results allow concluding that the instruments used in the present investigation may be useful for assessing changes in perceptual training load, fatigue, stress reaction symptoms and occurrence of perceived URTI symptoms.