Validation and Reliability Between External Load Analysis Devices for Soccer Players

Abstract

Objective: To test the reliability between two instruments with different analysis mechanisms, either by GPS (model GPSPORTS®) or by video analysis (InStat For Players®), relating the results of total distance covered and distance at high speed ≥ 20km/h (Very High-Intensity Running Distance, VHIR) during official soccer matches. Study Design: This is a methodological study. Data from 35 male professional soccer athletes from all tactical positions were included. Age 29.2 (± 4.8 years) and body fat 9.9 (± 1.7%), excluding goalkeepers (102 individual analyzes) were collected in official matches. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics procedures were used to characterize the sample and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the agreement on the stability and internal consistency of the tests with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The ICC in the case of the total distance traveled variable was significant 0,914 (0,876; 0,941) and indicated a very high agreement, with the linear correlation coefficient indicating a strong positive correlation (p <0.001). The ICC for the VHIR variable was not significant, although the linear correlation coefficient indicates a strong positive correlation (p <0.001). Clinical Relevance Statment: This study reveals that there is good agreement in the comparison of two systems designed to analyze the movement demands of each professional soccer athlete in relation to the total distance covered. Level of Evidence I; Methodological Study - Investigation of a diagnostic test.