Background. Strength training is a key component of physical performance in soccer. However, in non-professional players, evidence regarding the relationship between weekly strength training load and perceived physical performance remains limited, particularly when considering factors such as fatigue, pain, and motivation. Objective. To analyze the association between self-reported weekly strength training load and perceived physical performance in non-professional soccer players, and to examine the influence of perceived fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and exercise motivation on this relationship. Methods. An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. The dependent variable will be perceived physical performance, assessed using the Perceived Performance in Sports Questionnaire. Independent variables will include weekly strength training load, measured using the session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE), perceived fatigue assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale, and motivation toward training and sport participation assessed with the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2. Adjustment variables will include age, sex, playing position, competitive level, sporting experience, mean match playing time (minutes per match), body mass index, and overall weekly training load. Descriptive analyses and multivariable regression models will be performed. Expected results. To identify the relationship between weekly strength training load and perceived physical performance, and to determine the physical and psychosocial factors associated with lower self-perceived performance in non-professional soccer players.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
146
Active non-professional (amateur) soccer players.
Universidad de Oviedo
Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, Spain
RECRUITINGMeasurement of perceived physical performance
This variable will be assessed using the Spanish version of the Perceived Performance in Sports Questionnaire. This instrument measures athletes' subjective evaluation of their own performance during competition or sport practice. It consists of five items rated on a 1-5 Likert scale, with the final score calculated as the mean of the items; higher scores indicate better perceived performance. As no specific cut-off points are established, the score will be interpreted as a continuous variable.
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of weekly strength training load
Weekly strength training load will be quantified using the session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE; Borg CR-10). Participants will report session duration and perceived intensity (0-10) for all strength sessions in the previous week. Weekly load will be calculated as the sum of sRPE × duration (minutes) across sessions.
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of perceived fatigue
This variable will be assessed using the Spanish version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). This self-reported questionnaire evaluates the impact of fatigue on daily functioning and consists of nine items rated on a 1-7 Likert scale. The final score is calculated as the mean of the items, with higher values indicating greater perceived fatigue; a mean score ≥4 is considered indicative of clinically significant fatigue.
Time frame: Screening visit
Measurement of motivation toward training and sport participation
This variable will be assessed using the Spanish version of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2). This self-reported instrument, grounded in Self-Determination Theory, evaluates different types of motivational regulation toward exercise. It consists of 19 items distributed across the dimensions of amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation. Higher scores in autonomous regulation, particularly intrinsic motivation, are associated with greater adherence to and engagement in sport practice.
Time frame: Screening visit
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