Soccer is an aerobic sport with intermittent characteristics, requiring load management strategies. The physical efficiency index (PEI) is commonly used for this purpose, calculated as the ratio between external and internal load (distance per minute / %HRmax). Recently, a new PEI was proposed, incorporating the number of accelerations [(number of accelerations x distance per minute) / %HRmax] due to their impact on match performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the traditional PEI with the new PEI in professional soccer matches. This study compared both indices in 14 matches played by a professional team in Brazil`s Série B, with 11 athletes (25.4 ± 3.24 years; 74.17 ± 4.60 kg; 179.10 ± 7.94 cm; VO2 max: 54.76 ± 12.24 ml/kg/min). Variables analyzed included total distance covered, sprints, accelerations, and decelerations. The average total distance was 9712.00 ± 490.90 m, with 496.80 ± 88.28 m in high-speed running and 173.98 ± 40.20 m in sprints. The mean number of accelerations was 103.4 ± 8.91, and decelerations 99.72 ± 9.06. The new PEI showed higher values than the traditional PEI (1.35 vs. 1.18; p<.001). Results suggest that the new PEI, incorporating accelerations, is a more suitable tool for load monitoring, as it better reflects the biomechanical and physiological demands of the game. This can help optimize training strategies, minimize athletes` fatigue, and improve their post-match recovery.
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