## 4 Discussion
In studies utilizing s-RPE [42; 46], monotony as the ratio between weekly internal training loads and their standard deviation, and strain as the product of weekly internal training load and monotony, were calculated and compared across training periods to ascertain the effect of external load on these variables in rhythmic gymnasts. Additionally, differences between starters and reserves were identified. [PERSON] et al. [67] discovered a significant effect of s-RPE on performance scores in regional-level individual rhythmic gymnasts during competitive training periods, suggesting the utility of this tool for controlling internal training load in rhythmic gymnasts. The TQR Scale, which assesses recovery based on responses to the question \"How do you feel about your recovery?\" on a scale ranging from 6 to 20 points, was administered daily before the commencement of the first training session [41; 46], with the value of \(\geq\)13 (reasonable recovery) indicated a minimally adequate recovery state [50] to monitor recovery across training and competition periods and to examine associations between internal training loads (s-RPE) and recovery in an elite group of rhythmic gymnasts. Accumulated and prolonged fatigue can precipitate overreach, overtraining, and decreased performance; hence, appropriate recovery time, encompassing both active and passive recovery strategies, should be integrated between exercises and sessions. It is imperative to systematically collect information about the recovery state and interpret it in an individualized manner [71; 72]. The Hooper Index, a well-being questionnaire comprising four separately assessed parameters: fatigue, stress level, muscle pain (DOMS), and quality of sleep, rated on a scale from 1 (\"very, very low\") to 7 (\"very, very high\"), has been widely utilized to evaluate the well-being [51; 73] of elite athletes [74; 75; 76]. Adapted versions of the Hooper index [77] have been employed by [PERSON] et al. [42], with modifications to the parameters, including fatigue, sleep quality, general muscle soreness, stress level, and mood, assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. This adaptation was utilized to monitor general well-being and its domains across general preparatory, specific preparatory, and pre-competitive periods in elite rhythmic gymnasts. Although no significant differences were observed between the analyzed periods, the daily questionnaire revealed notably lower overall well-being scores in rhythmic gymnasts aged over 13 compared to younger age groups (11.2 \(\pm\) 0.9 and 10.2 \(\pm\) 1.0-year-old groups) during intensified training period followed by tapering. This finding suggests that older gymnasts, closer to puberty, may be more sensitive to environmental changes resulting from training load manipulation, highlighting the utility of this tool as an internal measure to monitor loads in youth categories [55]. The ESS [52], consisting of self-administered responses to eight questions/situations regarding the likelihood of dozing off or falling asleep, rated on a 4-point scale (0-3) with the sum of the 8 items ranging from 0 (zero) to 24 points, and PSQI [53], comprising nineteen items assessing daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and sleep disturbance over one month, with score range from 0 (zero) to 21 points, were utilized in elite rhythmic gymnasts just before an international competition preceded by intense training [45]. These assessments revealed poor pre-competitive sleep habits among elite rhythmic gymnasts, a finding particularly relevant considering the challenges posed by international competitions, such as long journeys, which can significantly impact sleep duration and quality, and may affect competitive performances [78].