Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
Ios-APP Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2024) 23, 744 - 753   DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.744

Research article
Prediction of Perceived Exertion Ratings in National Level Soccer Players Using Wearable Sensor Data and Machine Learning Techniques
Robert Leppich1, Philipp Kunz2, André Bauer3, Samuel Kounev1, Billy Sperlich2, Peter Düking4, 
Author Information
1 Software Engineering Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
2 Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science and Training, Institute of Sport Science, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
3 Department of Computer Science, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, United States of America
4 Department of Sports Science and Movement Pedagogy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany

Peter Düking
✉ Department of Sports Science and Movement Pedagogy Technische Universität Braunschweig Braunschweig, Germany
Email: peter.dueking@tu-braunschweig.de
Publish Date
Received: 26-04-2024
Accepted: 23-09-2024
Published (online): 01-12-2024
 
 
ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify relationships between external and internal load parameters with subjective ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Consecutively, these relationships shall be used to evaluate different machine learning models and design a deep learning architecture to predict RPE in highly trained/national level soccer players. From a dataset comprising 5402 training sessions and 732 match observations, we gathered data on 174 distinct parameters, encompassing heart rate, GPS, accelerometer data and RPE (Borg’s 0-10 scale) of 26 professional male professional soccer players. Nine machine learning algorithms and one deep learning architecture was employed. Rigorous preprocessing protocols were employed to ensure dataset equilibrium and minimize bias. The efficacy and generalizability of these models were evaluated through a systematic 5-fold cross-validation approach. The deep learning model exhibited highest predictive power for RPE (Mean Absolute Error: 1.08 ± 0.07). Tree-based machine learning models demonstrated high-quality predictions (Mean Absolute Error: 1.15 ± 0.03) and a higher robustness against outliers. The strongest contribution to reducing the uncertainty of RPE with the tree-based machine learning models was maximal heart rate (determining 1.81% of RPE), followed by maximal acceleration (determining 1.48%) and total distance covered in speed zone 10-13 km/h (determining 1.44%). A multitude of external and internal parameters rather than a single variable are relevant for RPE prediction in highly trained/national level soccer players, with maximum heart rate having the strongest influence on RPE. The ExtraTree Machine Learning model exhibits the lowest error rates for RPE predictions, demonstrates applicability to players not specifically considered in this investigation, and can be run on nearly any modern computer platform.

Key words: Machine learning, artificial intelligence, RPE, elite athletes, monitoring, training prescription


           Key Points
  • The study analyzed internal/external load parameters to predict subjective RPE in elite soccer players, using machine learning models and deep learning model.
  • A dataset from 5402 training sessions and 732 matches was used, containing 174 parameters, including heart rate, GPS, accelerometer data, and RPE of 26 professional soccer players.
  • Our deep learning model had the highest accuracy, predicting RPE (MAE: 1.08 ± 0.07), while tree-based models like ExtraTree performed comparable and robustly, with maximum heart rate contributing most to RPE prediction.
 
 
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