Adherence
High chronic training loads have a protective effect against injury, whereas rapid week-to-week increases in training load (spikes) significantly increase injury risk.
Do not simply reduce training load to prevent injuries. Instead, monitor the ratio of this week's load to the average of the last 3-6 weeks (acute:chronic ratio). Keep this ratio between 0.8 and 1.3. If you must increase load, do it gradually (less than 10% week-to-week) to allow the body to adapt and build resilience without spiking injury risk.
high chronic workloads have been shown to decrease the risk of injury... Excessive and rapid increases in training loads are likely responsible for a large proportion of non-contact, soft-tissue injuries.
Why this rating
Based on multiple observational cohort studies in elite athletes (rugby, soccer, cricket), showing strong correlations but not randomized control trials.
Source
The training—injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter<i>and</i>harder?
Tim J. Gabbett · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095788
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