Abstract
Background: : Rugby league involves repeated, complex, and high intensity change-of-direction (COD) movements with no existing test protocols that specifically assesses these multiple physical fitness components simultaneously. Thus, the current study examined the convergent validity of a repeated Illinois Agility (RIA) protocol with the repeated T-agility protocol, and the repeatability of the RIA protocol in adolescent Rugby League players. Furthermore, aerobic capacity and anaerobic and COD performance were assessed to determine whether these physical qualities were important contributors to the RIA protocol. Methods: Twenty-two junior Rugby League players completed 4 sessions with each separated by 7 days. Initially, physical fitness characteristics at baseline (i.e., Multi-stage Shuttle test, countermovement jump, 30-m sprint, single-effort COD and repeated sprint ability [RSA]) were assessed. The second session involved a familiarisation of RIA and repeated T-agility test (RTT) protocols. During the third and fourth sessions, participants completed the RIA and RTT protocols in a randomised, counterbalanced design to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of these protocols. Results: For convergent validity, significant correlations were identified between RIA and RTT performances (r= >0.80; p<0.05). For contributors to RIA performance, significant correlations were identified between all baseline fitness characteristics and RIA (r = >0.71; p < 0.05). Reliability of the RIA protocol was near perfect with excellent intra-class correlation coefficient (0.87-0.97), good ratio limits of agreement (×/÷ 1.05-1.06) and low coefficient of variations (1.8-2.0%). Conclusions: The current study has demonstrated the RIA to be a simple, valid and reliable field test for RL athletes that can provide coaches with information about their team's ability to sustain high intensity, multi-directional running efforts.
Highlights
For convergent validity, significant correlations were identified between repeated Illinois Agility (RIA) and most repeated T-agility test (RTT) variables (Table 126)
For contributors to RIA performance, significant correlations were identified with repeat-sprint ability (RSA), 30-m sprint time, best effort agility measures, aerobic capacity and countermovement jump (CMJ) height (Table 226)
This study showed that the RIA and RTT protocols were strongly correlated with each other, with respect to the time-derived measures (BT, total time (TT) and average cycle time (AT))
Summary
J. Sports Sci. 2006, 24, 919–932.3 Regarding the reliability aspect of the study, two recent papers have suggested that reliability of COD and agility may be lower in adolescent and youth athletes (as per your sample). Sports Sci. 2006, 24, 919–932.3 Regarding the reliability aspect of the study, two recent papers have suggested that reliability of COD and agility may be lower in adolescent and youth athletes (as per your sample) These authors observed this during maximal COD/agility performance, opposed to repeated as in the present study, I believe this would be worth including and would further warrant the exploration of your research question and study. Conclusions: The current study has demonstrated the RIA to be a version 3 (revision)
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