Intermittent Endurance and Repeated Sprint Ability in Soccer Players

Abstract

The ability to perform high-intensity intermittent exercise (i.e., Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test [Yo-Yo IR1]) and to repeat sprints with relatively short recovery times (i.e., 20- to 30-seconds, relatively short time interval [repeated sprint ability (RSA)]) has been shown to be relevant fitness variables in soccer. However, though they potentially share common features, it is not known whether these 2 abilities are associated. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between Yo-Yo IR1 and RSA performances in elite soccer players. Twenty-three soccer players (age 19 ± 1 years, height 181 ± 5.7 cm, body mass 73.2 ± 4.1 kg, %body fat 11 ± 2.4) performed the Yo-Yo IR1 and a test for RSA (7 × 30 m with 25-second recovery). Results were 2,289 ± 409 m, 31.21 ± 1.13 seconds, and 4 ± 2.1% for Yo-Yo IR1, total sprint time, and sprint decrement, respectively. Yo-Yo IR1 showed a significant and moderate relationship with sprint decrement (r² = -0.44, p = 0.04). Splitting the sample into Best and Worst Yo-Yo IR1 performers according to median score (2,320 m), the Best group showed lower RSA total time (30.69 ± 0.99 vs. 31.79 ± 1.06, p < 0.05) and speed decrement (2.90 ± 0.86 vs. 5.09 ± 2.42, p < 0.01) compared to the Worst group. Sprint-time deterioration over 30 m occurred earlier (from the second sprint on) in the Yo-YoWorst compared with in the Yo-YoBest group (from the fourth sprint on, p < 0.001). Intermittent high-intensity endurance is poorly associated with RSA performance (r² = 0.19). Consequently, coaches and strength and conditioning professionals should consider both Yo-Yo IR1 and RSA in their testing batteries. A Yo-Yo IR1 performance ≥2,320 m could be considered as a reasonable indicator of physical fitness in elite soccer. Relatively short time interval test protocols similar to the present study should consist of at least 5 sprint bouts.

Aerobic Fitness of 17-Year-Old Soccer Players Throughout the Annual Training Cycle According to Their Playing Position

“…As compared with Psotta et al Football is a sport that requires high levels of aerobic fitness and the Yo-Yo tests have been considered as useful tools in football training, since its procedures are quite similar to the intermittent characteristics of game activities (Brito, Fernandes, Seabra, & Rebelo, 2010). The ability to perform high-intensity intermittent exercise with relatively short recovery times has been shown to be relevant fitness variables in soccer (Chaouachi et al, 2010). The Yo-Yo intermittent test Level 1 evaluates an individual's ability to repeatedly perform intense exercise leading to a maximal activation of the aerobic system.…”

“…Performance enhancement in soccer is determined primarily by aerobic endurance. Therefore, soccer training should include training stimuli for the development of players' aerobic fitness (Chaouachi et al, 2010;Hoff & Helgerud, 2004;Stølen et al, 2005). From the viewpoint of training load and current levels of players' performance levels, fitness testing plays an important role in the assessment of the current levels of players' motor abilities (Pivovarniček et al, 2011).…”

The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST)

“…The ability to sprint repeatedly with minimal recovery is widely accepted as an important component of physical performance in soccer (Bishop et al 2001;Chaouachi et al 2010;Rampinini et al 2007;Wragg et al 2000). Recent findings using time-motion analysis indicate the high demands placed on the modern player (Barnes et al 2014;Bush et al 2015).…”

Evaluation of anthropometric characteristics and physical abilities in a soccer season: comparison between U-15, U-17 and U-19

“…No entanto, muito continua por perceber, levando a que o futebol tenha sido considerado como um complicado dilema fisiológico de difícil resolução (Shephard, 1990). O futebol trata-se de uma atividade intermitente de alta intensidade e duração e que, como tal, recorre aos 3 sistemas de produção de energia (anaeróbio lático, anaeróbio alático e oxidativo); sendo que o sistema anaeróbio alático e o sistema oxidativo têm uma contribuição mais extensiva (Bangsbo, 1993;Chaouachi et al, 2010).…”

“…No entanto, muito continua por perceber, levando a que o futebol tenha sido considerado como um complicado dilema fisiológico de difícil resolução (Shephard, 1990). O futebol trata-se de uma atividade intermitente de alta intensidade e duração e que, como tal, recorre aos 3 sistemas de produção de energia (anaeróbio lático, anaeróbio alático e oxidativo); sendo que o sistema anaeróbio alático e o sistema oxidativo têm uma contribuição mais extensiva (Bangsbo, 1993;Chaouachi et al, 2010).O controlo e avaliação do processo de treino são ferramentas fundamentais para a prescrição do mesmo, independentemente da modalidade. Apesar do futebol ser a modalidade com o maior número de praticantes em todo o mundo (Giulianotti, 2012), e da investigação científica na modalidade ter vindo a aumentar nos últimos anos, ainda são escassos os estudos com jovens e que incidam sobre toda a época desportiva.…”