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The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST)

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity and sensitivity of a reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST).

Methods

Elite (n = 72) and sub-elite male (n = 87) and elite female soccer players (n = 12) completed the RRST at set times during a season. Total distance timed was 30 m and the RRST performance measure was the total time (s) across eight repetitions. Competitive match running performance was measured using GPS and high-intensity running quantified (≥19.8 km h−1).

Results

Test–retest coefficient of variation in elite U16 and sub-elite U19 players was 0.71 and 0.84 %, respectively. Elite U18 players’ RRST performances were better (P < 0.01) than elite U16, sub-elite U16, U18, U19 and elite senior female players (58.25 ± 1.34 vs 59.97 ± 1.64, 61.42 ± 2.25, 61.66 ± 1.70, 61.02 ± 2.31 and 63.88 ± 1.46 s; ES 0.6–1.9). For elite U18 players, RRST performances for central defenders (59.84 ± 1.35 s) were lower (P < 0.05) than full backs (57.85 ± 0.77 s), but not attackers (58.17 ± 1.73 s) or central and wide midfielders (58.55 ± 1.08 and 58.58 ± 1.89 s; ES 0.7–1.4). Elite U16 players demonstrated lower (P < 0.01) RRST performances during the preparation period versus the start, middle and end of season periods (61.13 ± 1.53 vs 59.51 ± 1.39, 59.25 ± 1.42 and 59.20 ± 1.57 s; ES 1.0–1.1). Very large magnitude correlations (P < 0.01) were observed between RRST performance and high-intensity running in the most intense 5-min period of a match for both elite and sub-elite U18 players (r = −0.71 and −0.74), with the best time of the RRST also correlating with the arrowhead agility test for elite U16 and U18 players (r = 0.84 and 0.75).

Conclusion

The data demonstrate that the RRST is a reliable and valid test that distinguishes between performance across standard, position and seasonal period.

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Abbreviations

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

BST:

Bangsbo sprint test

RRSTbest :

Best time

BLa:

Blood lactate concentration

CV:

Coefficient of variation

ES:

Effect size

GPS:

Global positioning system

HR:

Heart rate

HRmax :

Heart rate maximum

HDOP:

Horizontal dilution of precision

MEMS:

Microelectromechanical system

RRST:

Reactive repeated-sprint test

RSA:

Repeated sprint ability

SWC:

Smallest worthwhile change

TE:

Typical error of measurement

Yo–Yo IR1:

Yo–Yo intermittent recovery test level 1

Yo–Yo IE2:

Yo–Yo intermittent endurance test level 2

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Acknowledgments

The University of Sunderland and Sunderland College for their help in funding Michele Di Mascio’s PhD.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK

    Michele Di Mascio & Jack Ade

  2. Medical Department, Newcastle United Football Club, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    Jack Ade

  3. Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK

    Paul S. Bradley

Authors
  1. Michele Di Mascio
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  2. Jack Ade
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  3. Paul S. Bradley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul S. Bradley.

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Communicated by Peter Krustrup.

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Di Mascio, M., Ade, J. & Bradley, P.S. The reliability, validity and sensitivity of a novel soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST). Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 2531–2542 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3247-0

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