Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(11): 899-905
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038491
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Validity of a Repeated-Sprint Test for Football

F. M. Impellizzeri1 , 2 , E. Rampinini2 , C. Castagna3 , D. Bishop4 , D. Ferrari Bravo2 , A. Tibaudi2 , U. Wisloff5
  • 1Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland
  • 2Human Performance Laboratory, Mapei Sport Research Center, Castellanza, Italy
  • 3School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
  • 4Team Sport Research Group, Facoltà di Scienze Motorie, Università Degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
  • 5Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Trondheim, Norway
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 19, 2008

Publication Date:
16 April 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Three studies involving 108 football players were conducted to examine the reliability of a repeated-shuttle-sprint ability (RSSA) test and its ability to differentiate between players of various competitive levels and playing positions. Study 1: Short-term reliability was determined in 22 professional players completing the RSSA test (6 × 40-m sprints with 20 s of recovery between sprints) on two separate occasions. Study 2: Long-term reliability (seasonal changes) was examined in 31 professional players completing the RSSA test four times (during the preseason period, at the start, middle and end of the competitive season). Study 3: 108 players were divided and compared according to competitive level or playing position. Standard error of measurement values expressed as coefficient of variation for RSSA mean time and best time were 0.8 and 1.3 % (short-term reliability) and 0.9 and 1.2 % (long-term reliability), respectively. The smallest worthwhile changes were 0.5 % for both mean and best time. Professional players showed better RSSA performance than amateur players, and defenders displayed the lowest RSSA performance. In conclusion, the RSSA test showed adequate construct validity but only RSSA mean time showed sufficient reliability to detect large training-induced changes but not small important differences.

Key words

reliability - construct validity - soccer - playing positions - competitive level

References

  • 1 Amann M, Hopkins W G, Marcora S M. Sensitivity of endurance performance tests: self-paced time trials vs. constant power tests to exhaustion.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;  40 574-578
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Ary D, Cheser Jacobs L, Razavieh A, Sorensen C. Introduction to research in education. Belmont, CA; Wadsworth 2006: 155-157
    Google Scholar
  • 3 Atkinson G. Does size matter for sports performance researchers?.  J Sports Sci. 2003;  21 73-74
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Atkinson G, Nevill A M. Statistical methods for assessing measurement error (reliability) in variables relevant to sports medicine.  Sports Med. 1998;  26 217-238
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Bangsbo J. Fitness Training in Football. Bagsværd; HO+Storm 1994: 1-336
    Google Scholar
  • 6 Bangsbo J, Norregaard L, Thorso F. Activity profile of competition soccer.  Can J Sport Sci. 1991;  16 110-116
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Bravo D F, Impellizzeri F M, Rampinini E, Castagna C, Bishop D, Wisloff U. Sprint vs. interval training in football.  Int J Sports Med. 2007;  DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-989371
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Di Salvo V, Baron R, Tschan H, Calderon Montero F J, Bachl N, Pigozzi F. Performance characteristics according to playing position in elite soccer.  Int J Sports Med. 2007;  28 222-227
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Edwards A M, Macfadyen A M, Clark N. Test performance indicators from a single soccer specific fitness test differentiate between highly trained and recreationally active soccer players.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2003;  43 14-20
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Fitzsimons M, Dawson B, Ward D, Wilkinson A. Cycling and running tests of repeated sprint ability.  Aust J Sci Med Sport. 1993;  25 82-87
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Hopkins W G. Measures of reliability in sports medicine and science.  Sports Med. 2000;  30 1-15
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Hopkins W G, Hawley J A, Burke L M. Design and analysis of research on sport performance enhancement.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;  31 472-485
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Impellizzeri F M, Marcora S M, Castagna C, Reilly T, Sassi A, Iaia F M, Rampinini E. Physiological and performance effects of generic versus specific aerobic training in soccer players.  Int J Sports Med. 2006;  27 483-492
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Impellizzeri F M, Rampinini E, Marcora S M. Physiological assessment of aerobic training in soccer.  J Sports Sci. 2005;  23 583-592
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Krustrup P, Mohr M, Amstrup T, Rysgaard T, Johansen J, Steensberg A, Pedersen P K, Bangsbo J. The yo-yo intermittent recovery test: physiological response, reliability, and validity.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 697-705
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Liow D K, Hopkins W G. Velocity specificity of weight training for kayak sprint performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1232-1237
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 McGawley K, Bishop D. Reliability of a 5 × 6-s maximal cycling repeated-sprint test in trained female team-sport athletes.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006;  98 383-393
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Mohr M, Krustrup P, Bangsbo J. Match performance of high-standard soccer players with special reference to development of fatigue.  J Sports Sci. 2003;  21 519-528
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Psotta R, Blahus P, Cochrane D J, Martin A J. The assessment of an intermittent high intensity running test.  J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2005;  45 248-256
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Puga N, Ramos J, Agostinho J, Lomba I, Costa O, De Freitas F. Physical profile of a first division Portuguese professional soccer team. Reilly T, Clarys J, Stibbe A Science and Football II. London; E & FN Spon 1993: 40-42
    Google Scholar
  • 21 Rampinini E, Bishop D, Marcora S M, Ferrari Bravo D, Sassi R, Impellizzeri F M. Validity of simple field tests as indicators of match-related physical performance in top-level professional soccer players.  Int J Sports Med. 2007;  28 228-235
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Rampinini E, Coutts A J, Castagna C, Sassi R, Impellizzeri F M. Variation in top level soccer match performance.  Int J Sports Med. 2007;  DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965158
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Reilly T, Williams A M, Nevill A, Franks A. A multidisciplinary approach to talent identification in soccer.  J Sports Sci. 2000;  18 695-702
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Spencer M, Bishop D, Dawson B, Goodman C. Physiological and metabolic responses of repeated-sprint activities: specific to field-based team sports.  Sports Med. 2005;  35 1025-1044
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Spencer M, Fitzsimons M, Dawson B, Bishop D, Goodman C. Reliability of a repeated-sprint test for field-hockey.  J Sci Med Sport. 2006;  9 181-184
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Stølen T, Chamari K, Castagna C, Wisløff U. Physiology of soccer: an update.  Sports Med. 2005;  35 501-536
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Svensson M, Drust B. Testing soccer players.  J Sports Sci. 2005;  23 601-618
    Google Scholar
  • 28 Thomas J R, Nelson J K. Research Methods in Physical Activity. 4th edn. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics 2001: 181-185
    Google Scholar
  • 29 Thomas V, Reilly T. Fitness assessment of English league soccer players through the competitive season.  Br J Sports Med. 1979;  13 103-109
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Vincent W J. Statistics in Kinesiology. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics 1995: 71-72
    Google Scholar
  • 31 Withers R T, Maricic Z, Wasilewski S, Kelly L. Match analyses of Australian professional soccer players.  J Hum Mov Stud. 1982;  8 159-176
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Wragg C B, Maxwell N S, Doust J H. Evaluation of the reliability and validity of a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2000;  83 77-83
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar

Dr. Franco M. Impellizzeri

Neuromuscular Research Laboratory
Schulthess Clinic

Lengghalde 2

8008 Zurich

Switzerland

Phone: + 41(0)4 43 85 75 87

Fax: + 41(0)4 43 85 75 90

Email: franco.impellizzeri@kws.ch

      >