The Hooper`s Index - Control and subjective assessment of fatigue

von Jürgen Pranger


Gepostet am 3.6.2022


By using scales and questionnaires, trainers can not only better understand the complexity of the recovery process of players, but they can also better assess the effect of the various measures to promote the recovery process after a certain training incentive or game.


Questionnaires are fast, cost-effective and easy data collection, which can be adapted to different contexts.

The information obtained can be used to provide the planned Adapt training or additional regeneration measures if necessary.

Some simple ways to control subjective fatigue and subjective well-being is the Hooper`s index.

The Hooper's Index

The Hooper Index is an indicator that is determined by a self-assessment questionnaire where the athlete assesses the degree of fatigue, stress, muscle cats and sleep quality or disorders (Hooper & Mackinnon, 1995).

These parameters are evaluated separately. The result is a numerical value - the Hooper's Index - that reflects the general condition of the athlete. The athletes must therefore assign a value between 1 and 10 (sometimes also between 1-7; depending on the scale) for each parameter (from very, very low or good = 1 point, to very, very high or bad = 10 points) (see picture).

This indicator is one of the most effective strategies for early detection of the overtraining syndrome, which shows itself in a change in the physiological functions, deterioration of the psychological sensation, an immunological dysfunction and in biochemical anomalies. (Angeli et al 2004)



Regeneration query - Player view (Hooper`s Index):

from the Team Management System (TMS)



The Hooper's index measures the physical and mental condition of the player before each training unit and allows not only better detection of pre-fatigue, but the trainer is able to interpret the status of the player in connection with the training load (sRPE) and, if necessary, the Customize training.

In the long term, this allows higher precision in training planning and facilitates reaching optimal performance of players.

  • An advantage

The physical performance the player can use these simple measures significantly improved I have to say that I have to say that I have to say that. In addition, Probability of injury the player significantly lower I have to say that I have to say that I have to say that.


  • Higher physical performance + less injuries = more success

The index was first validated in swimming (Hooper & Mackinnon, 1995) and then used by researchers in football (Chamari, Haddad, Wong, Dellal and Chaouachi, 2012).

An example of a competition microcycle in a semi-professional football team is shown in Figure 1. The picture shows a typical competition week.



Training Control in Football – What should you consider when planning to be successful with your team?



As can be seen, the total scores (Hooper Index) show a downward trend, with the lowest scores on the competition day being given (an aspect that is based on a correct distribution of load indicates the microcycle), which has enabled players to play under optimal conditions or better said to reduce fatigue, stress, exhaustion and muscle pain.

In addition, after the development unit on Wednesday, there is an increase in exhaustion and also the local muscle pain that the sportsman expressed in the following query (Thursday training). It should be noted that in Wednesday training, many games with low number of participants and small field sizes have been completed to achieve a high number of accelerations, deceleration movements and change of direction to achieve a Training incentive for the neuromuscular system to set.

Source: Barca Innovation Hub



The instruments for monitoring the state of recovery of an athlete - as the Hooper`s Index presented here - can very useful to address specificities in the subsequent training process. As a result, Load better controlled and it will ensure that every player optimal development can increase without the probability of injury.

A optimal relationship between stress and recovery is essential. With simple tools you can lift your training and load control to the next level and give you an advantage over league competitors.

With our free tool -Team Management System (TMS) - you can quickly and easily Load and regeneration data by your players.

Join today: Click here!





Presentation of the regeneration data in the Team Management System:

from the TMS






This could be interesting for you too:

Training Control in Football – What should you consider when planning to be successful with your team?

Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) – a simple and effective method for controlling loads in football






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Literature


Angeli, A., Minetto, M., Dovio, A. and Paccotti, P. (2004). The overtraining syndrome in athletes: a stress-related disorder. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 27(6), 603-12.

Barca Innovation Hub: https://barcainnovationhub.com/product/advanced-program-injury-management-team-sports/

Chamari, K., Haddad, M., Wong, del P., Dellal, A. y Chaouachi, A. (2012). Injury rates in professional soccer players during Ramadan. Journal of Sports Sciences, 30(1), S93-102.


García Concepción, M. A., Peinado, A. B., Paredes, V. y Alvero Cruz, J. R. (2015). Eficacia de diferentes estrategias de recuperación en jugadores de fútbol de élite. Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte, 15(58), 355-369.

Hooper, S. L. & Mackinnon, L. T. (1995). Monitoring overtraining in athletes. Recommendations. Sports Medicine, 20(5), 321-7.

Starling, L. T. & Lambert, M. I. (2017). Monitoring Rugby Players for Fitness and Fatigue: What Do Coaches Want? International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 15, 1-30. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0416.