Presentation description
External load monitoring is far more than tracking GPS numbers. It is about using meaningful data to optimise training, minimise injury risk, and prepare players for the physical demands of competition. In this presentation, Ben Cousins outlines a practical, evidence-informed framework for integrating external load data into training design, return-to-play planning, and multidisciplinary decision-making within elite football.
Learning objectives
By the end of this presentation, practitioners will be able to:
- Interpret external load metrics to evaluate whether training sessions achieve their intended physiological objectives.
- Apply load monitoring data to guide player management, training modifications, and return-to-play progression.
- Integrate physiological principles with performance data to support collaborative decision-making across the multidisciplinary team.
About the presenter
Dr Ben Cousins completed his undergraduate degree and postgraduate studies (MRes Sport Science and PhD) at Nottingham Trent University. His PhD examined the demands of elite Rugby Union and was completed alongside his work in professional sport. He has worked in elite sport for over a decade with Bristol Bears, London Irish and Fiji Rugby for the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup and Rugby World Cup campaigns, part of the historic Fiji win at Twickenham over England and beating Australia at the RWC matching their previous best of QF phase. Ben has more recently transitioned into Football, working for Brentford FC as Head of Academy Sport Science and then at the start of the 25/26 season was promoted to the first-team to assume the role as Head of Performance Planning. Responsible for the co-ordination of squad and individual player loading across the MDT, advising fellow performance staff and coaches on training design processes to ensure performance optimisation and player robustness. He has a strong interest in the utility of data – to inform the decision-making process across sport science, medicine, nutrition, psychology, sport-specific technical-tactical and recruitment fields.
Cancellation policy
CEU information
Physical Therapy CEUs
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Courses approved by other APTA chapters in the following jurisdictions are likely accepted for licensure credit based on the state regulation:
AZ | DC | MD | MS | NM
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Athletic Training CEUs
Sportsmith (P12247) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education for Athletic Trainers. All programs are eligible for Category A CE. ATCs are responsible for claiming only those hours actually spent in educational programming.
Contact hours
- Reading time = 10 minutes
- Video length = 21 minutes
- Quiz = 10 minutes
- Total contact hours (rounded down to nearest 0.25 hr) = 0.5
Competency assessment
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Course evaluation
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