Assessing athlete readiness using physical, physiological, and perceptual markers

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the validity of tests / markers of athletic readiness to predict physical performance in elite team and individual sport athletes. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus and SPORT Discus databases were searched from inception until 15 March 2023. Included articles examined physiological and psychological tests / markers of athletic readiness prior to a physical performance measure. 165 studies were included in the systematic review and 27 studies included in the meta-analysis. 20 markers / tests of athletic readiness were identified, of which five were meta-analysed. Countermovement jump (CMJ) jump height had a large correlation with improved 10m sprint speed / time (r = 0.69; p = .00), but not maximal velocity (r = 0.46; p = .57). Non-significant correlations were observed for peak power (r = 0.13; p = .87) and jump height (r = 0.70; p = .17) from squat jump, and 10m sprint speed / time. CMJ jump height (r = 0.38; p = .41) and salivary cortisol (r = -0.01; p = .99) did not correlate with total distance. Sub-maximal exercise heart rate (r = -0.65; p = .47) and heart rate variability (r = 0.66; p = .31) did not correlate with Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1 performance. No correlation was observed between blood C-reactive protein and competition load (r = 0.33; p = .89). CMJ jump height can predict sprint and acceleration qualities in elite athletes. The validity of the other readiness tests / markers meta-analysed warrants further investigation.