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Effects of an ACWR-Guided Load Management Intervention on Time-Loss Injury Incidence in Chinese Elite Youth Footballers: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Sponsor: Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University
Summary
This cluster-randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate whether a multi-component load management intervention-incorporating real-time acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) feedback, automated alerts, coach education, and structured load adjustment protocols-reduces time-loss injury incidence in Chinese elite mixed-gender adolescent football players compared with routine training practices.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
13 Years - 19 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
847
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2027-04-30
Last Updated
2026-07-27
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
ACWR-guided load management
Intervention teams implement a structured ACWR-guided load management protocol for the entire season. The protocol comprises four components: Component 1 - Load Monitoring: After each training session and match, players rate perceived exertion on the Borg CR-10 scale. Session-RPE (sRPE) is calculated as duration (minutes) × RPE score. Data are recorded using a dedicated mobile application (CoachMe v3.2). Research staff provide technical support and weekly reminders. Component 2 - Weekly ACWR Reports: The research team generates weekly ACWR reports for each player. Reports are emailed to head coaches each Monday morning, covering the preceding week's data. Component 3-Automated Alerts and Load-Adjustment Recommendations: Coaches receive automated alerts when a player's ACWR falls below 0.8 or exceeds 1.3. When ACWR \< 0.8, a progressive increase in training load (10-20% weekly) is suggested. When ACWR \> 1.3, coaches are instructed to implement a 10-20% load reduction at the next session,