The Relationship Between the Yo-Yo Tests, Anaerobic Performance and Aerobic Performance in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine the relationship between performance in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YIRT1), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (YIRT2) and the Yo-Yo endurance test (continuous) (YET) with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and Wingate anaerobic performance (WaNT) test results in young soccer players (age 15.00 ± 0.0 years, body height 176.3 ± 4.2 cm and body mass 68.1 ± 3.6 kg). An ergospirometry device was used during the treadmill test (TRT) to determine VO2max. At the end of the study, significant differences were found between the Yo-Yo tests and TRT in terms of HRmax (TRT = 195,92, YIRT1 = 197,83, YIRT2 = 198,5 YET = 198) (p > 0.05). While there were moderate correlations between VO2max and YIRT 1–2 performances (respectively, r = 0.56, r = 0.53), there was only a weak relationship between VO2max and YET performance (r = 0.43) (distance covered). There were also moderate significant negative correlations between performance in the YIRT2 and peak power measured in the WaNT (r = −0.55), although there were no significant correlations between performance in the three tests and average power. A moderate negative correlation was found between performance in the YIRT2 and Fatigue index (FI) (r = −0,66). In conclusion, the YIRT2 may be a more suitable field test for determining both aerobic and anaerobic performance in soccer players.

The Role of Aerobic Capacity in High-Intensity Intermittent Efforts in Ice-Hockey

“…This result is consistent with the findings reported in many research papers on the same subject [6, 19, 21, 34, 35, 39]. The relationships between $\stackrel{.}{\text{V}}$O 2 max and the FI for repeated sprints found in this and the above studies seem to indicate that aerobic processes play a role in the recovery of energy substrates, which are necessary to exercise at high intensity.…”

Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2: Cardiorespiratory response and performance in professional soccer players, comparison between under 20 and over 20 years old players

“…On the other hand, Rampinini et al (2010), Ueda et al (2011), Karakoç et al (2012), and Bangsbo et al (2008 found a low or moderate degree of association between V O2max and the final distance. In this study, a positive correlation in the U20 group was found between the variables that reflect the internal load or cardiorespiratory fitness (V Opeak and V O2 at VT) and those that reflect the external load or the performance in the test (Dmax and Smax), but not in the O20 group.…”

“…For example, Krustrup et al (2003), Thomas et al (2006) and Rampinini et al (2010) found a strong correlation between YYIR1 and VO2max performance; Castagna et al (2006) found no correlation and Karakoç et al (2012) found a moderate correlation. As for YYIR2, Rampinini et al (2010) found a weak correlation, while Krustrup et al (2006) and Karakoç et al (2012) found a moderate correlation.…”

“…Level 1 (YYIR1) starts at a lower speed and the speed increases are lower compared to Level 2 (YYIR2). For this reason, there has been an association between YYIR1 and aerobic endurance capacity, while YYIR2 has been associated with the ability to perform high intensity intermittent exercise with an aerobic and anaerobic energy demand (Castagna et al, 2006;Castagna et al, 2009;Krustrup et al, 2006;Bangsbo et al, 2008;Karakoç et al, 2012). For example, greater accumulation of lactate in blood and muscle has been found during YYIR2, compared to YYIR1 (Krustrup et al, 2006).…”

“…For example, greater accumulation of lactate in blood and muscle has been found during YYIR2, compared to YYIR1 (Krustrup et al, 2006). It has also been reported that YYIR2 causes a higher peak in blood lactate concentration, lower levels of phosphocreatine and lower muscle pH (Krustrup et al, 2006;Bangsbo et al, 2008), suggesting a higher anaerobic contribution than YYIR1.Despite this, the relationship between performance in both levels of the test and aerobic fitness is not clear (Bangsbo et al, 2008;Karakoç et al, 2012). Most studies compare cardiopulmonary responses and / or aerobic fitness with performance in the field test, making comparisons between the values obtained directly in a laboratory treadmill test, with the subsequent performance in the field test, without direct measurement of oxygen uptake in the latter, which would be an error due to the difference in the type of effort performed in both tests (Castagna et al, 2006).…”