A Validation Study For Sport-specific Aerobic Fitness Testing In Soccer Players.

Abstract

Aerobic fitness is an important component in soccer performance. However, aerobic fitness assessment in soccer is primarily via non-sport-specific tests. The Hoff test, a soccer specific training tool was first proposed in 2002 but has since been modified for aerobic fitness assessment. However, test validity and reliability have yet to be quantified. PURPOSE: The primary aim of the study was to compare the Hoff test with more established aerobic fitness tests. A secondary aim was to quantify test-retest reliability. METHODS: 15 soccer players (13 male, 2 female; Age 23±5yrs) completed three separate trials. During trial 1, subjects completed the Hoff test and the Yo-yo intermittent endurance test 2 (YYIET2). During trial 2, subjects repeated the Hoff test. An incremental treadmill test was performed during trial 3. Total distance was recorded for the Hoff and YYIET2 tests. Maximal heart rate (HRmax) and final blood lactate (BLa) were measured as physiological responses to each test. Metabolic data were collected during the treadmill test in order to quantify VO2max. Paired Student’s T-tests compared Hoff test distance, YYIET2 distance and VO2max. Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and Technical Error of the Measurement (TEM) quantified test reliability. RESULTS: Group mean ± SD Hoff test distance, YYIET2 distance and VO2max were 1497±234m, 1201±661.5m and 50.8±9.0ml.kg-1.min-1, respectively. BLa and HRmax were not significantly different between test modalities. Hoff Test distance was very high correlated with VO2max (r=0.91). YYIET2 distance was also highly correlated with VO2max (r=0.86) and Hoff test distance (r=0.89). ICC and TEM for Hoff test distance were 0.931 and 4.34% respectively. A significant difference between Hoff test 1 and 2 distances was observed (1439 ± 256m vs. 1497 ± 234m; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the Hoff test is a reliable test that is highly correlated with more established aerobic fitness tests in soccer players. Linear regression analysis suggests that distance covered in the Hoff Test can provide a strong prediction of VO2max. However, a conditioning effect was observed between Hoff tests, suggesting that players require greater test familiarization prior to running the Hoff test in order to produce accurate results.