Foster, C., Wedekind, L., Battista, R. A., Pein, R., Needham, C., & Porcari, J. P. (2009). Comparison of coach vs. athlete ratings of training: Effect of sex and performance ability. ACSM 56th Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington, Presentation Number 1831.

This study compared training duration, intensity, and cumulative training load between coach and swimmers, and whether differences were related to gender or performance ability. NCAA Division III swimmers (M = 13; F = 15), trained by the same coach, recorded training over six weeks during the middle of the season. For each practice, the coach rated the intended training duration, intensity, and load using the Session RPE method. The athletes rated each training session independently, as well as reported any non-coach prescribed exercise. Athlete performance was ranked by national qualifiers (N = 6), conference point scorers (N = 12), and conference participants (N = 10).

For all coach vs. swimmer comparisons, there were no significant differences in the mean training load, duration, or RPE. There were no differences in the coach vs. athlete matching of training patterns attributable to gender or swimming ability. Differences in the execution of training were attributable to missing training sessions secondary to illness or study, but were not different in relation to gender, swimming ability, or to performing unscheduled recreational exercise not accounted for in the coach's plan, in relation to gender or swimming ability.

Implication. Variations between swimmers' and coach's accounting of training were not significant. Males and females attend to training with similar conformity.

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