Software & Technology
Wellness Questionnaire
A wellness questionnaire is a brief, athlete-reported survey collected before training that captures subjective measures of readiness: sleep quality, sleep duration, fatigue, mood, muscle soreness, and stress levels. Each item is typically rated on a 1-5 or 1-10 scale. The data is aggregated into a wellness score that coaches use alongside objective monitoring tools to inform programming decisions.
Why subjective data matters
Wearables and force plate data tell you what the body did. Wellness questionnaires tell you how the athlete feels about it. These are different things and both matter. An athlete can have normal HRV readings and still be carrying significant psychological stress that will affect their training. Conversely, athletes who report high wellness scores despite heavy loads are often athletes who are adapting well and can handle increased stimulus. The questionnaire adds a layer that objective sensors cannot capture.
Implementation in practice
The value of a wellness questionnaire depends entirely on compliance and honesty. Athletes who feel their answers will be used against them (reduced playing time, altered training) tend to over-report wellness. Programs that build genuine trust and explain why the data is collected get better data. Most AMS platforms include built-in wellness questionnaire modules with automated alerts when scores drop below threshold. Low-tech versions using a simple form or even a whiteboard rating system in the weight room work too — the tool matters less than the habit of collecting it consistently.
Related terms
Readiness Score · HRV (Heart Rate Variability) · AMS (Athlete Management System) · Load Management