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Review
. 2022 Oct 12;8(1):128.
doi: 10.1186/s40798-022-00519-7.

The Maximal Intensity Period: Rationalising its Use in Team Sports Practice

Dan Weaving #  1   2 , Damien Young #  3 , Andrea Riboli  4 , Ben Jones  1   2   5   6   7 , Giuseppe Coratella  8
Affiliations
Review

The Maximal Intensity Period: Rationalising its Use in Team Sports Practice

Dan Weaving et al. Sports Med Open. .

Abstract

Quantifying the highest intensity of competition (the maximal intensity period [MIP]) for varying durations in team sports has been used to identify training targets to inform the preparation of players. However, its usefulness has recently been questioned since it may still underestimate the training intensity required to produce specific physiological adaptations. Within this conceptual review, we aimed to: (i) describe the methods used to determine the MIP; (ii) compare the data obtained using MIP or whole-match analysis, considering the influence of different contextual factors; (iii) rationalise the use of the MIP in team sports practice and (iv) provide limitations and future directions in the area. Different methods are used to determine the MIP, with MIP values far greater than those derived from averaging across the whole match, although they could be affected by contextual factors that should be considered in practice. Additionally, while the MIP might be utilised during sport-specific drills, it is inappropriate to inform the intensity of interval-based, repeated sprint and linear speed training modes. Lastly, MIP does not consider any variable of internal load, a major limitation when informing training practice. In conclusion, practitioners should be aware of the potential use or misuse of the MIP.

Keywords: Football; Global positioning system; Performance; Rolling average; Small-sided games; Soccer; Team sports; Time–motion analysis; Training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dan Weaving, Damien Young, Andrea Riboli, Ben Jones and Giuseppe Coratella declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Example of global positioning system data and common methods of analysis: whole period (A), segmental (B) and moving average (C)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The ratio (%) between the mean and MIP per min for the total relative distance (black bars) and high-speed running distance (white bars) in hurling (4.7–6.1 m⋅s−1), soccer (4.2–5.6 m⋅s−1) and basketball (> 5 m⋅s−1). The data for the direct comparison are taken from hurling [18], soccer [23] and basketball [26]. MIP: maximum intensity period. HSR: high-speed running
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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