Annals of Applied Sport Science

Background. In order to minimize overtraining, a reliable method is required to analyses training loads. Objectives: The objective of this study was to see if session Rate of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) be a useful tool for tracking changes in perceived training load and strain among Malaysia rugby 15-a-side players during preparation for a major game. Methods. In this study, we aimed to discuss sports events during the pandemic. In this context, the present study targeted the 16th NKolay Istanbul Half Marathon on April 4, 2021 and recruited the randomly selected 125 female (23.1%) and 417 male (76.9%) marathon runners in this event. We gathered the data using a demographic information format and a 14-item scale. Results. Results showed that team state higher acute: chronic workload ratio (ACWR) during first and second week of training and slightly reduced before entering pre-competition phase and following week (competitions phase). Result for Bronco Test has shown greater improvement starting from first week of training, fourth week of training before entering competition phase and sixth week training, which is competition phase. Findings of this study suggest that a sensitive tool ACWR for monitoring changes in training load and strain in team-sport athletes. The change in session rate perceived exertion and total score of wellbeing/wellness of training correlated significantly over the training period (r =-0.41, P < 0.05). Conclusion. To conclude, combining the short fatigue questionnaire with the session-RPE approach for perceived changes in training load and strain throughout training may provide extra information on the athletes' condition, helping coaches to avoid overreaching or overtraining.