Utilizing Microsensor Technology to Quantify Match Demands in Collegiate Women’s Volleyball

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to quantify internal and external load demands of women’s NCAA Division I collegiate volleyball competitions using microsensor technology and session rating of perceived exertion (S-RPE). Eleven collegiate volleyball players wore microsensor technology (Optimeye S5; Catapult Sports USA, Chicago, IL) during fifteen matches played throughout the 2016 season. Parameters examined includePlayer load (PL), High impact load (HI PL), percentage of high impact load (% HI PL), Explosive efforts (EE) and jumps. S-RPE was collected twenty minutes post-match using a modified Borg scale. The relationship between internal and external load was explored, comparing S-RPE data with the microsensor metrics (PL, HI PL, % HI PL, EE, Jumps). The setter had the greatest mean PL and highest number of jumps of all positions in a 5-1 system, playing all six rotations. Playing four sets yielded a mean PL increase of 25.1% over three sets, while playing five sets showed a 31.0% increase in PL. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant differences (p