A systematic review of load control in football using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

Abstract Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate various Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers, based on the frequency applied, the number of satellites available, and the dilution of precision (DOP) presented to measure football player load control. Method: The systematic review followed the PRISMA recommendations. Four hundred and eighty-five articles were selected from two online databases (Scopus and ISI Web of Science) over five years, with 21 studies selected for this review. In these studies, the GNSS frequency ranged from 5 to 18 Hz, with 10 Hz as the most commonly used frequency. Results: Of the 21 selected studies, 20 presented the ideal horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP), and the number of satellites available varied from 5 to 20. There was no consensus on defining speed, acceleration, or deceleration zones. Conclusion: There was no uniformity in data collected from the devices. Most GNSS receivers do not adopt the international system of units (SI).