The peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test is related to physical match performance in young soccer players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test (T-CAR) (PV) and physical match performance in young soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players were recruited from 2 non-professional clubs. Friendly matches and small-sided game were performed. Physical match demands were assessed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. On a separate occasion, the players were submitted to the T-CAR. Players were categorised into 3 groups based on their T-CAR performance: Low (PV ≤ P33), Intermediate (P33 > PV < P66) and High (PV ≥ P66). The PV (15.5 ± 0.7 km·h) was significantly related to high-intensity activities (HIA; r = 0.78, P < 0.001), high-intensity running (HIR; r = 0.66, P < 0.001), sprinting (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and total distance (TD) covered (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) during friendly matches. The PV was strongly correlated with the amount of HIA (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), HIR (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and TD covered (r = 0.81, P < 0.001) during small-sided game. No significant correlation was observed between the PV and distance of sprinting (r = 0.49, P = 0.067) during small-side game. Furthermore, players in the High group covered significantly more TD (10%) and did more HIA (42%), sprinting (31%) and HIR (25%) during friendly matches compared to the players classified as having Low performance on the T-CAR. These differences still remained after adjusting for chronological age (CA), maturity and body size. In conclusion, the current study gives empirical support to the ecological and construct validity of this novel field test (T-CAR) as an indicator of match-related physical performance in young soccer players during pubertal years.

Association Between Match Activity, Endurance Levels and Maturity in Youth Football Players

“…Nevertheless, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV %) ranging from 0.88 -0.98 and 13 % were reported when a smaller number of matches was considered [1]. Moreover, a good relative reliability (ICC from 0.88-0.95) was shown when only two friendly matches between players of the same team were analyzed [6]. Using the approach of two friendly matches between players with the same chronological age and skill level appeared to be a good compromise to overcome the limitation intrinsic to the design of the present study.…”

“…The descriptive data presented in this study provides further evidence regarding the practical importance of aerobic performance in male youth football players, particularly when match perceived intensity is high (i. e., individual effort). Further studies are required to investigate the capacity of the tests considered to detect changes in physical performance and the manner in which these changes influence the match activities performed by the players (i. e., test responsiveness) [6,8].…”

“…A cross-sectional design was used to assess the associations between biological maturity, maximal, and submaximal test variables and match physical activities in young football players. During the competitive season, players performed three separate test sessions and played two friendly matches between peer teammates in order to limit the match-to-match physical performance variability [6]. The peak values achieved by each player across the two matches were considered for the analysis.…”

“…Aerobic fitness is a relevant component of football performance [1,2] and as a result maximal and submaximal field tests have been proposed in order to monitor athletes' aerobic fitness capacities [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Maximal evaluations to exhaustion may prove to be problematic when frequent testing is required across the competitive season and therefore submaximal tests may represent a valid alternative [3].…”

Validity of the RSA-RANDOM Test for Young Soccer Players

“…The match-related physical performance variables measured were i) total distance covered during the match, and ii) distance covered at high-intensity running (i. e., ≥ 13.1 km.h − 1 ) [2]. Activity profiles were quantified via GPS units (K-GPS 10 Hz, K-Sport®, Montelabate, PU, Italy), as previously used [16]. The GPS units were harnessed between the shoulder blades, and anchored using an undergarment to restrict movement artefact.…”