Comparing the Yo-Yo intermittent and Bronco tests and their associations with match demands among amateur rugby union referees

Abstract

This study compared the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) and Bronco tests among amateur rugby referees and examined whether the results of these tests were associated with actual match demands. Sixty-seven (65 male, 2 female; 30 ± 11 years; 77.4 ± 13.1 kg; 175 ± 8 cm) amateur rugby referees participated. Match demands were assessed using Global Navigation Satellite System technology and heart rate (HR) recordings. Significant correlations (all p < 0.05) were found between the YYIR1 and Bronco test results ( r: −0.88). The YYIR1 test was significantly correlated with match demands including total ( r: 0.56) and high-intensity ( r: 0.70) distance covered, maximal speed reached ( r: 0.73), and the number of high-intensity accelerations ( r: 0.54) and sprints ( r: 0.68) completed. Furthermore, YYIR1 test maximum HR was significantly correlated with maximum HR ( r: 0.72), average HR ( r: 0.54), and internal load ( r: 0.55) during match play. In contrast, the Bronco test was only significantly correlated with match demands including maximal speed reached ( r: −0.68) and the number of high-intensity accelerations ( r: −0.61). Moreover, Bronco test maximum HR was significantly correlated with maximal ( r: 0.84) and average HR ( r: 0.73) during match play. The results suggest that while the YYIR1 and Bronco tests might both be efficient tools to guide training prescription, the YYIR1 test might be as the more valuable test to assess match fitness in rugby referees.