![Changes in VIFT during a competitive season in a professional handball team (French first league) (R : start of the preparatory phase [end of July], C : start of the competitive phase [September] et T : after Christmas break [January]) (10). *: significant difference vs. R (P<0.05) VI. 3. To improve a player's profiling when combined with results obtained from additional tests a. Isolating inter-efforts recovery ability. Comparing the V IFT with the velocity reached on a modified continuous version of the 30-15 IFT (i.e., performed exactly similarly to the original test, but without recovery periods), enables the isolation of intereffort recovery ability (27). Simply, the greater the difference](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin-Buchheit/publication/268178991/figure/fig1/AS:669443986300937@1536619292929/Changes-in-VIFT-during-a-competitive-season-in-a-professional-handball-team-French-first_Q320.jpg)
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The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test : 10 year review
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... Shuttle run tests are a common form of eld-based CRF testing [4,5]. Similarly, eld tests such as 30 − 15 intermittent tness test (30-15IFT) are also popular for estimating CRF based on performance over a set distance or time [6][7][8]. The 30-15IFT has gained popularity in recent years in both research and sports practice [5,[9][10][11]. ...
... The 30-15IFT consists of intermittent 30-s incremental shuttle runs on a 40-m course, interspersed with 15-s passive recovery periods [7]. Running velocity was set using a pre-recorded audio le where the initial run started at 8 km.h − 1 for 30-s with an increase of 0.5 km.h − 1 per running stage (every 45-s). ...
Purpose
The 30 − 15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) is a valid test to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Liner and continuous form of 30-15IFT were developed previously. The aim of this study is to assess the concurrent-validity of novel versions of the 30-15IFT on a treadmill: the treadmill 30 − 15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT-T) and the treadmill continuous 30 − 15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT-TC).
Methods
Fifteen recreationally endurance-trained males (age = 32 ± 5 y, height = 1.79 ± 0.06 m, weight = 71 ± 8 kg) performed the 30-15IFT, 30-15IFT-T, and 30-15IFT-TC in different sessions. The VIFT, blood lactate concentration difference (ΔBLC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Furthermore, heart rate was obtained during test and recovery period.
Results
we found significant validity between VIFT in both 30-15IFT-T (r = 0.81, ICC = 0.73, P < 0.05) and 30-15IFT-TC (r = 0.85, ICC = 0.74, P < 0.05) with 30-15IFT, respectively. The VIFT of 30-15IFT (18.90 ± 1.13 km.h− 1) was significantly lower than 30-15IFT-T (19.96 ± 1.82 km.h− 1) and higher than 30-15IFT-TC (17.93 ± 1.96 km.h− 1) (P < 0.05). Moreover, ΔBLC was lower in 30-15IFT (6.69 ± 1.27 mmol.L− 1) than 30-15IFT-T (7.92 ± 1.02 mmol.L− 1) and 30-15IFT-TC (8.17 ± 1.18 mmol.L− 1) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Both the 30-15IFT-T and the 30-15IFT-TC are valid comparisons to the 30-15IFT when assessing the CRF. However, the participants achieved higher and lower VIFT in the 30-15IFT-T and 30-15IFT-TC, respectively, in comparison to the 30-15IFT. Additionally, the ΔBLC was higher in the 30-15IFT-T and 30-15IFT-TC, respectively, in comparison to the 30-15IFT.
... = 28.3 -2.15 G -0.741 A -0.0357 W + 0.0586 A x VIFT + 1.03 VIFT, where G stands for gender (female = 2; male = 1), A for age, and W for weight (Buchheit, 2010). ...
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 3 different warm-up phases on endurance performance. Method: The subjects in U-15 and U-17 soccer players participated in the study. Athletes were made to perform 3 different warm-up phases including traditional, 1x5 minutes 5:5 SSG and 1x5 minutes SSG plus 40+40 m sprint lasting 20 minutes in total. After each warm-up phase, the intensity of the warm-up was recorded with the degree of rate of perceived exertion (RPE) with a Borg scale of 20, and endurance performances of the athletes were determined by applying 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT). RPE, maximal aerobic running speed (MAS) and maximum oxygen consumption capacity (VO2max) were determined after 30-15IFT. Results: While there was a significant difference between the RPE values after warm-up, MAS and VO2max values after 30-15IFT (p0.05). In U-17 team athletes, statistical significance was obtained between RPE after 3 different warm-ups, RPE after 30-15IFT, MAS and VO2max values (p
... Aerobic performance was tested using the 30-15 IFT developed by Buchheit (2010). The 30-15 IFT is a traditional field test used to assess the aerobic performance of soccer players. ...
This study aimed to explore the effects of sleep restriction of ≤5 h within 24 h on anaerobic and aerobic performance in male college soccer players and evaluated the effects of acute supplementation of 3 mg⋅kg⁻¹ caffeine on the aerobic and anaerobic performance of college male soccer players under sleep restriction. Methods: 10 college male soccer players were recruited, and a randomized crossover experimental design was adopted. The subjects received three intervention treatments in a randomized crossover order: Normal sleep night (NSN), sleep restriction night supplemented with placebo (SRP), and sleep restriction night supplemented with 3 mg⋅kg⁻¹ caffeine (SRC), and participated in the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) and 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT). Results: The main effect of the RAST and the 30-15IFT scores was significant (P<0.05). Post hoc analyses showed that the peak power, mean power, peak power/body mess, mean power/body mess, peak velocity mean velocity, fatigue index of the RAST, and the velocity of the intermittent fitness test (VIFT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and time to exhaustion (TTE) of the 30-15IFT in the SRP group were significantly lower than those of the NSN group (P < 0.05), and the total time of the RAST was significantly higher than that of the NSN group (P < 0.05); there were significant differences between the VIFT, VO2max and TTE indicators tested at 30-15IFT between the SRC group and the SRP group (P < 0.05). Still, other indicators had no significant differences (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Sleep restriction harms the anaerobic repeated sprint and aerobic performance of college soccer players; acute supplementation of 3 mg⋅kg⁻¹ of caffeine can effectively reduce the negative impact of insufficient sleep the night before on the aerobic endurance performance of college soccer players. Athletes or coaches should consider caffeine supplementation as a strategy to alleviate the negative impacts of sleep deprivation, but individual tolerance and potential side effects should be taken into account.
... S everal validated and reliable assessments of maximal aerobic performance currently exist to bench-mark elite soccer players (1)(2)(3)(4). While these should be considered gold standard, due to their fatigue-inducing nature, their utilisation may not always be appropriate (5). ...
... For examples, professional players to regularly cover total distances ranging between 10-13 km of which around 900 m and 250-300 m traveled at HSR (speed ranging from 19.8 km*h −1 to 25.2 km*h −1 ) and sprinting (speed ≥ 25.2 km*h −1 ), respectively. [102][103][104] The importance of HSR and sprinting distance has been recently discussed in a systematic review [34]. Specifically, during official matches, HSR and sprint running distances ranged from 618 to 1001 m and 153-295 m, respectively, in professional male soccer players. ...
Data-driven training prescription based on previous training or match data is thought to be associated with better training outcome, compared to prescription without considering any monitoring data. Understanding the complex relationship between training load, physical performance, fitness status, fatigue and injury risk represents a challenge for health and performance practitioners and researchers. Although studies have revealed a positive correlation between training load and injury risk, this cause-effect relation cannot be determined given the multifactorial nature of injuries. Additionally, conflicting findings have been published explaining the relationship between training load and injuries, underlining the importance of training load management, prescription, and communication within the multidisciplinary team to improve physical performance and reduce injury risk. In this sense, practitioners may benefit from practical examples based on training load data to make informed decisions for prescribing training. This narrative review provides real-world examples of training decisions based on training load data in soccer, including training prescription, drill design and multidisciplinary team communication. Finally, a framework was provided to make informed training prescription from a physiological standpoint and elucidate the relationship between training load and injury risk.
... The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test consists of 30 seconds of shuttle runs followed by 15 seconds of passive recovery on a natural grass pitch to join the closest line from where they began the next stage from a standing position. The test is a reliable and acoustically fieldbased progressive run test according to the procedures described by Buchheit (6). The test finished when a player could no longer maintain the imposed running speed or when a player was unable to reach a 3-m zone around each line at the moment of the audio signal 3 times consecutively. ...
Kilit, B, Chmura, P, Arslan, E, Soylu, Y, and Radziminski, Ł. Effects of 2 combined training protocols on the aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The study compared the effects of combining small-sided soccer games (SSGs) with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and repeated sprint training (RST) on aerobic and anaerobic fitness, technical skills, and psychophysiological responses in young soccer players. Thirty-two male, adolescent, soccer players (aged 13.5 6 0.3 years) were randomly divided into either the SSGs + HIIT group (n 5 16) or the SSGs + RST group (n 5 16) for combined training 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The players in the SSGs + HIIT group performed 12-18 minutes of runs at intensities (90-95%), whereas the players in the SSGs + RST group consisted of 3-4 sets of 5-7 times 15-m shuttle sprints (all-out efforts). Both training groups played 4 bouts of 2-aside or 4-aside SSGs with various game formats at 2-day intervals. Psychophysiological responses were determined during and after all training sessions. Before and after training interventions, the following physical performance tests were used: 5-to 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump, triple-hop distance, zigzag agility with the ball and without the ball, repeated sprint ability (RSA), 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, 3 corner run test, speed dribbling ability (SDA), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, and Y-balance test. Our main findings were that the SSGs + RST group demonstrated greater improvement in 5-m sprint time, SDA time, and RSA in the meantime compared with the SSGs + HIIT (p # 0.05, d values ranging from 1.50 to 2.25). Moreover, the SSGs + RST group showed greater improvement in agility test responses (p # 0.05, d values ranging from 2.13 to 2.34) than the SSGs + HIIT group. However, the SSGs + HIIT induced higher perceived exertion, mental effort, and lower greater physical enjoyment meaningfully compared with the SSGs + RST (p # 0.05, d values ranging from 6.04 to 6.67). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the SSGs + RST is an effective training program to improve young soccer players' speed and agility-based performance responses.
This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT on basketball players' physical fitness and skill-related performance. This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of HIIT on basketball players. The databases searched included Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus (up to 4 March 2024). The meta-analysis used a random-effects model, with effect sizes (ES) calculated for various performance outcomes. A total of 15 studies, with a low risk of bias or some concerns of bias, including 369 players (130 females, 239 males) at the developmental level, national level, and international level, were included in the systematic review, with 7 of these included in the meta-analysis. The systematic review indicated that HIIT significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, power, change of direction (COD) ability, linear sprint, and basketball skill-related performance. However, the effects on certain physical aspects such as VO2max, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR 1), jump tests, ball throw test, 20-m COD sprint test, T-test, 20-m linear sprint, and basketball-specific skills such as shooting accuracy and passing were inconsistent. The meta-analysis revealed a very large effect on the Yo-Yo IR 1 (ES = 2.32; p = 0.000), a moderate effect on VO2max (ES = 0.90; p = 0.000), T-test performance (ES = 0.91; p = 0.000), and CMJ height (ES = 0.76; p = 0.000), and a small effect on the 20-m sprint test (ES = 0.59; p = 0.006). HIIT appears to be an effective training method for improving general physical fitness and certain basketball-specific skills, particularly endurance, power, and agility. However, its impact on more skill-specific aspects, such as shooting accuracy and passing, requires further investigation. Coaches should consider supplementing HIIT with targeted skill training and carefully plan its timing, ideally incorporating HIIT during pre-season or off-season periods for optimal effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore the differential effects of HIIT across various age groups and playing levels.
Background. In football, both anaerobic and aerobic power are critical for optimal performance. This study aimed to compare the effects of linear and change of direction (COD) high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs on motor performance in elite senior female football players. Objectives. The objective was to investigate the differential impact of linear HIIT (LHIIT) and COD HIIT protocols on various motor performance metrics, enabling coaches and athletes to optimize training strategies based on specific performance goals. Methods. The study involved 60 elite senior female football players, divided into LHIIT (n=30) and COD (n=30). Participants underwent pre-testing to assess their initial fitness levels, followed by a four-week HIIT training program. Performance was measured across multiple variables before and after the intervention. Results. The LHIIT group significantly improved eight of nine variables, demonstrating notable enhancements in sprinting, agility, and specific plyometric abilities. The COD group significantly improved six variables, excelling in agility and velocity-related tests. However, the COD group experienced an unexpected decline in the S5m variable by 0.1. Conclusion. Both linear HIIT and COD HIIT programs effectively enhance physical abilities in elite female football players, with each type of training showing specific strengths. Linear HIIT is more effective for improving sprint, agility, and plyometric abilities, whereas COD HIIT excels in agility and velocity-related performance. Coaches and athletes should select the HIIT protocol that best aligns with their specific performance needs and goals to optimize athletic performance in team sports.
Background. Anaerobic and aerobic power are critical factors influencing peak football performance. This study aimed to explore the differential effects of various high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on these performance metrics in senior female football players. Objectives. The primary objective was to investigate the impact of linear (L) HIIT and change-of-direction (COD) HIIT protocols on key performance indicators, including peak treadmill running velocity (Vmax), peak velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT), distance traveled in the anaerobic zone (dAT), and VO2max. Methods. Sixty senior female football players were divided into LHIIT (n=30) and COD (n=30). Both groups underwent initial testing before participating in their respective training programs for four weeks. Performance metrics were measured at the beginning and end of the training period. Results. Both groups significantly improved all measured variables (p<0.001). However, the COD group demonstrated relatively more significant enhancements in Vmax (COD=0.93; LHIIT=0.8), VAT (COD=0.94; LHIIT=0.87), and VO2max (COD=0.92; LHIIT=0.74). The COD group also reduced the initial difference in VO2max to a non-significant level. Conclusion. COD HIIT protocols appear to be slightly more effective in enhancing anaerobic power in female football players than linear HIIT protocols. Nevertheless, both HIIT programs significantly improved performance metrics, indicating that incorporating such training regimens can benefit female football training programs.
INTRODUCTION Soccer, as with most competitive team sports, is an intermittent based game (1, 5, 7). Performance in intermittent based sports has been linked to speed, power, strength, agility and the ability to repeat short high intensity bursts throughout a match, rather than the capacity to maintain a steady submaximal work rate (1). Hence training modalities must reflect this, with coaches prioritising training time to improve these physiological variables predictive of good performance (9). High intensity interval training can develop maximal oxygen uptake and enhance a players" ability to repeat high intensity bouts (3). Since maximal oxygen uptake may influence game performance and total high intensity running distance during a soccer match (8), methods to improve these levels should be factored into training cycles. High intensity interval training sessions should be programmed into weekly periodised conditioning blocks directed at improving maximal oxygen uptake. An effective and practical way of delivering these sessions, in order to improve physiological variables of players, is by using the prescription variables derived from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (IFT).
The aim of the present study was to propose a new and simple field assessment of inter-effort recovery and change of direction (COD) ability based on performance during the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT, an intermittent, incremental shuttlerun test) using three different protocols. Forty team-sport players (22 ± 2 years) performed either (group A; n = 16) the original 30-15IFT and two modified versions, one without a rest period (i.e. continuous run, 30-15IFT-CONT) and one without COD (30- 15IFT-LINE), or (group B; n = 24) the original 30-15IFT and a modified version with more COD (28-m shuttle instead of 40-m, 30-15IFT-28m). Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La]b), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and maximal running speed were recorded for all tests. There was no statistical difference in either maximal HR (A: p = 0.07 and B: p = 0.94) or RPE (A: p = 0.10 and B: p = 0.97) between tests. Compared with the 30-15IFT (12.3 ± 2.5, p < 0.01) and 30-15IFT-LINE (11.3 ± 2.6, p = 0.07, ES = 0.61), [La]b was lower for 30-15IFT-CONT (9.6 ± 3.3mmol.L-1). Compared with 30-15IFT, maximal running speed was higher for 30-15IFT-LINE (103.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001) and lower for 30-15IFT-CONT (93.2 ± 1.4%, p < 0.001), while it was similar for 30-15IFT-28m (99.7 ± 3.6%, p = 0.62). Maximal speeds reached after the four tests were significantly but not perfectly correlated (r = 0.74 to 95, all p < 0.001). Present results show that differences in the maximal running speed reached following different versions of the 30-15IFT can be used by coaches toisolate and evaluate inter-effort recovery (i.e. 30-15IFT vs. 30-15IFT-CONT) and COD (i.e., 30-15IFT vs. 30-15IFT-LINE) abilities in the field. Additionally, COD ability as evaluated here appears to be independent of shuttle-length.
The 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) is an attractive alternative to classic continuous incremental field tests for defining a reference velocity for interval training prescription in team sport athletes. The aim of the present study was to compare cardiorespiratory and autonomic responses to 30-15IFT with those observed during a standard continuous test (CT). In 20 team sport players (20.9 +/- 2.2 years), cardiopulmonary parameters were measured during exercise and for 10 minutes after both tests. Final running velocity, peak lactate ([La]peak), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also measured. Parasympathetic function was assessed during the postexercise recovery phase via heart rate (HR) recovery time constant (HRR[tau]) and HR variability (HRV) vagal-related indices. At exhaustion, no difference was observed in peak oxygen uptake VO2peak), respiratory exchange ratio, HR, or RPE between 30-15IFT and CT. In contrast, 30-15IFT led to significantly higher minute ventilation, [La]peak, and final velocity than CT (p < 0.05 for all parameters). All maximal cardiorespiratory variables observed during both tests were moderately to well correlated (e.g., r = 0.76, p = 0.001 for [latin capital VO2peak). Regarding ventilatory thresholds (VThs), all cardiorespiratory measurements were similar and well correlated between the 2 tests. Parasympathetic function was lower after 30-15IFT than after CT, as indicated by significantly longer HHR[tau] (81.9 +/- 18.2 vs. 60.5 +/- 19.5 for 30-15IFT and CT, respectively, p < 0.001) and lower HRV vagal-related indices (i.e., the root mean square of successive R-R intervals differences [rMSSD]: 4.1 +/- 2.4 and 7.0 +/- 4.9 milliseconds, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the 30-15IFT is accurate for assessing VThs and VO2peak, but it alters postexercise parasympathetic function more than a continuous incremental protocol.
The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of speed/agility (S/A) training with sprint interval training (SIT) on acceleration and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in well-trained male handball players.
In addition to their normal training program, players performed either S/A (n = 7) or SIT (n = 7) training for 4 wk. Speed/agility sessions consisted of 3 to 4 series of 4 to 6 exercises (eg, agility drills, standing start and very short sprints, all of <5 s duration); each repetition and series was interspersed with 30 s and 3 min of passive recovery, respectively. Sprint interval training consisted of 3 to 5 repetitions of 30-s all-out shuttle sprints over 40 m, interspersed with 2 min of passive recovery. Pre- and posttests included a countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m sprint (10m), RSA test and a graded intermittent aerobic test (30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, V(IFT)).
S/A training produced a very likely greater improvement in 10-m sprint (+4.6%, 90% CL 1.2 to 7.8), best (+2.7%, 90% CL 0.1 to 5.2) and mean (+2.2%, 90% CL -0.2 to 4.5) RSA times than SIT (all effect sizes [ES] greater than 0.79). In contrast, SIT resulted in an almost certain greater improvement in V(IFT) compared with S/A (+5.2%, 90% CL 3.5 to 6.9, with ES = -0.83).
In well-trained handball players, 4 wk of SIT is likely to have a moderate impact on intermittent endurance capacity only, whereas S/A training is likely to improve acceleration and repeated sprint performance.
This study compared the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIT) versus specific game-based handball training (HBT) on handball performance parameters. Thirty-two highly-trained adolescents (15.5+/-0.9 y) were assigned to either HIT (n=17) or HBT (n=15) groups, that performed either HIT or HBT twice per week for 10 weeks. The HIT consisted of 12-24 x 15 s runs at 95% of the speed reached at the end of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (V(IFT)) interspersed with 15 s passive recovery, while the HBT consisted of small-sided handball games performed over a similar time period. Before and after training, performance was assessed with a counter movement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint time (10 m), best (RSAbest) and mean (RSAmean) times on a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test, the V(IFT) and the intermittent endurance index (iEI). After training, RSAbest (-3.5+/-2.7%), RSAmean (-3.9+/-2.2%) and V(IFT) (+6.3+/-5.2%) were improved (P<0.05), but there was no difference between groups. In conclusion, both HIT and HBT were found to be effective training modes for adolescent handball players. However, HBT should be considered as the preferred training method due to its higher game-based specificity.
The objective of this study was to develop an empirical model relating human running performance to some characteristics of metabolic energy-yielding processes using A, the capacity of anaerobic metabolism (J/kg); MAP, the maximal aerobic power (W/kg); and E, the reduction in peak aerobic power with the natural logarithm of race duration T, when T greater than TMAP = 420 s. Accordingly, the model developed describes the average power output PT (W/kg) sustained over any T as PT = [S/T(1 - e-T/k2)] + 1/T integral of T O [BMR + B(1 - e-t/k1)]dt where S = A and B = MAP - BMR (basal metabolic rate) when T less than TMAP; and S = A + [Af ln(T/TMAP)] and B = (MAP - BMR) + [E ln(T/TMAP)] when T greater than TMAP; k1 = 30 s and k2 = 20 s are time constants describing the kinetics of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, respectively, at the beginning of exercise; f is a constant describing the reduction in the amount of energy provided from anaerobic metabolism with increasing T; and t is the time from the onset of the race. This model accurately estimates actual power outputs sustained over a wide range of events, e.g., average absolute error between actual and estimated T for men's 1987 world records from 60 m to the marathon = 0.73%. In addition, satisfactory estimations of the metabolic characteristics of world-class male runners were made as follows: A = 1,658 J/kg; MAP = 83.5 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; 83.5% MAP sustained over the marathon distance. Application of the model to analysis of the evolution of A, MAP, and E, and of the progression of men's and women's world records over the years, is presented.
In order to validate a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test for the prediction of VO2 max, 91 adults (32 females and 59 males, aged 27.3 +/- 9.2 and 24.8 +/- 5.5 year respectively and with mean VO2 max (+/- SD) of 39.3 +/- 8.3 and 51.6 +/- 7.8 ml . kg-1 . min-1 respectively) performed the test and had VO2 max estimated by the retroextrapolation method (extrapolation to time zero of recovery of the exponential least squares regression of the first four 20-s recovery VO2 values). Starting at 8 km . h-1 and increasing by 0.5 km . h-1 every 2 min, the 20-m shuttle run test enabled prediction of the VO2 max (y, ml . kg-1 . min-1) from the maximal speed (x, km . h-1) by means of the following regression equation: y = 5.857x - 19.458; r = 0.84 and SEE = 5.4. Later, the multistage protocol was slightly modified to its final version, in which the test started at stage 7 Met and continued with a 1 Met (3.5 ml O2 . kg-1 . min-1) increment every 2 min. Twenty-five of the 91 subjects performed the 20-m shuttle test twice, once on a hard, low-friction surface (vinyl-asbestos tiles) and another time on a rubber floor, as well as a walking maximal multistage test on an inclined treadmill. There was no difference between the means of these tests or between the slopes of the VO2max - maximal speed regressions for the two types of surfaces. The 20-m shuttle run test and another maximal multistage field test involving continuous track running gave comparable results (r = 0.92, SEE = 2.6 ml O2 . kg-1 . min-1, n = 70). Finally, test and retest of the 20-m shuttle run test also yielded comparable results (r = 0.975, SEE = 2.0 ml O2 . kg-1 . min-1, n = 50). It is concluded that the 20-m shuttle run test is valid and reliable test for the prediction of the VO2 max of male and female adults, individually or in groups, on most gymnasium surfaces.
IntroductionThe maximal running velocity (VIFT) reached at the end of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Tests (30-15IFT) is very well related to most physiologic determinants of team-sport performance: explosive power of lower limbs, speed, maximal aerobic power and the ability to recover between exercise bouts. Nevertheless, its relationship with repeated sprint ability (RSA) was unknown.
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability, usefulness, and validity of the 30-15 Intermittent Ice Test (30-15(IIT)) in 17 young elite ice hockey players. For the reliability and usefulness study, players performed the 30-15(IIT) 7 days apart. For the validity study, data derived from the first 30-15(IIT) were compared with those obtained from the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15(IFT), the running version of this test used as a reference marker for its ability to assess cardiovascular fitness in the field, that is, VO₂peak). Maximal speed, heart rate at exhaustion (HR(peak)) and postexercise blood-lactate levels ([La](b)) were collected for all tests, whereas submaximal HR was taken at stages 4 and 8 (HR(stage4) and HR(stage8)) during the 30-15(IIT). All intra-class correlation coefficients were >0.94. Coefficients of variation were 1.6% (90% CI, 1.3-2.3), 1.7% (1.3-2.8), 1.4% (1.0-2.2), and 0.7% (0.5-1.1) for maximal skating speed, HR(stage4), HR(stage8), and HR(peak), respectively. Correlations between maximal velocities and HR(peak) obtained for the 30-15(IIT) vs. 30-15(IFT) were very large (r = 0.72) and large (r = 0.61), respectively. Maximal skating speed was also largely correlated to estimated VO₂peak (r = 0.71). There was however no correlation for [La](b) values between both tests (r = 0.42). These results highlight the specificity of the on-ice 30-15(IIT) and show it to be a reliable and valid test for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in young elite players. Coaches could interpret a change in performance of at least 2 stages, or a change in submaximal HR of more than 8% (≈8 b·min⁻¹) during the eighth stage to be a meaningful change in skating fitness.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the shuttle test protocol (20-MST) and the resulting lactacidaemia on maximal velocity (V
max) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Firstly, three randomly assigned tests to exhaustion were performed by 12 subjects: the treadmill test, the 20-MST, and a continuous running track test using the same prerecorded 1-min protocol as in the 20-MST (T1). One week later, subjects performed another track test, which was conducted up to the same level of effort as attained during the 20-MST (T2). For each test, V
max, VO2max) lactate concentration at rest and during recovery, maximal heart rate, and distance covered were determined. The results indicated that the 20-MST underestimated V
max; only Tl satisfactorily assessed V
max (F=15.49, P<0.001). At the same level of effort, the peak blood lactate concentration (t=2.7, P<0.02) and VO2max (t=11.35, P<0.001) values were higher for the shuttle than for the continuous protocol. It was concluded that V
max was limited by the running backwards and forwards in the protocol of the shuttle test. The higher values of peak blood lactate concentration and its earlier appearance obtained for the shuttle may have been one of the limiting factors of V
max. However, the higher values of VO2max obtained for the 20-MST were most likely due to a combination of the relative hyperlactacidaemia and the biomechanical complexities required for this type of protocol.