Training load is not simply about the number of hours spent on the ice. It also includes exercise intensity, training frequency and the physical and psychological demands experienced by athletes.
According to an IOC consensus statement published in 2016, inadequate training load management is a risk factor for injury. Rapid changes in training volume or intensity require particular attention.
Recovery is also essential
IOC research highlights the importance of balancing physical effort with sufficient opportunities for the body to recover.
Coaches and athletes can also monitor different indicators, including perceived fatigue, general well-being, pain and changes in performance. Regular monitoring can help adjust training plans to individual needs.
Following an injury, returning to sport requires also an individualized approach involving medical professionals, the athlete and the coaching team. For synchronized skating teams, the message is simple: preparing for a new season also means taking care of skaters' health.