Linear and Change of Direction Repeated Sprint Ability Tests: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Kyles, A, Oliver, JL, Cahill, MJ, Lloyd, RS, and Pedley, J. Linear and change of direction repeated sprint ability tests: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1703–1717, 2023—The ability to repeatedly sprint is important in many sports, but there is no established protocol for measuring repeated sprint ability (RSA). The purpose of this review was to identify overground RSA protocols previously reported in the literature and to recommend standardized protocols. A systematic review of the literature was used to identify studies that have used an RSA test, with data describing protocol design extracted. One hundred eight studies were included in the review, across which 47 unique protocols were identified. Eighteen protocols included at least one change of direction (COD), and this increased mean sprint time compared with linear RSA tests (7.26 ± 1.84 vs. 4.48 ± 1.02 seconds). There was considerable variability across protocols regarding sprint distance (20–40 m), sprint repetitions (3–15), recovery duration (10–60 seconds), recovery type (active vs. passive), and work-to-rest ratio (≤1:1.4–19.2). Separate protocols are needed for linear and COD tests, and these should reflect the brief nature of intense periods of competition and stress the ability to recover. Based on data across studies for protocol design and to ensure a demanding work-to-rest ratio, it is suggested that a linear RSA should comprise 6 × 30 m sprints separated by 15 seconds of active recovery. To provide some parity to linear tests, to keep work duration brief and to maintain a demanding work-to-rest ratio, a COD RSA should comprise 6 × 30 m shuttle sprints (15 + 15 m), providing one change of direction (180° COD), and maintaining a 15-second active recovery.

Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players

“…An increased capacity for intermittent high-intensity efforts in soccer, including all categories, positively conditions sports performance [1]. However, the constant repetitions of intermittent high-intensity efforts evidenced during matches or training sessions [3,29] also induce muscle fatigue, negatively affecting physical performance [9].…”

“…Soccer is characterized by intermittent high-intensity efforts (running, jumping, and sprinting) combined with low-to-moderate intensity actions (walking and jogging) and periods of limited activity or stationary rest [1]. In this scenario, muscular strength and power, along with their related components, such as speed and acceleration, have emerged as critical elements to be addressed during the training of soccer players at all levels [2].…”

Testing in Intermittent Sports—Importance for Training and Performance Optimization in Adult Athletes

“…Linear sprint testing can be conducted over various distances with multiple sampling points typically used, e.g., 5 to 10 m to quantify acceleration capacity and 30 to 40 m to assess high-velocity sprinting ability (75). Simple sprint times are the most frequent scoring method; however, calculation of sprint momentum and various split time ratios are also common (183). Horizontal force-velocity power profile (comparable to the vertical) also applicable-with the sprint version consisting of unloaded sprinting from null to maximal velocity (184).…”

“…Simple performance time is most frequently used. However, in combination with sprint testing, the so-called change of direction deficit is often computed as a supplementary measure (183).…”

“…Although purportedly more ecologically valid, such exercise scenarios may in fact only occur infrequently in most intermittent sports and thus represent a worst-case scenario (9,144,(316)(317)(318)(319)(320). These tests commonly consist of short ~2-to 10-s repeated all-out efforts interspersed by longer duration recovery (~10 to 60 s) and repeated a number of times (e.g., ~4 to 12 repetitions) and sometimes also using multiple set approaches (13,183,279,281,310,(321)(322)(323)(324)(325)(326)(327). Moreover, repeated sprint tests differ between straight-line, shuttle runs, and repeated change of direction tests and by the use of active or passive recovery periods.…”