20-m Sprint Test Research Articles

Intrinsic Risk Factors for Groin Injuries among Male Soccer Players

Background This study was conducted to determine if risk factors for groin injuries among male soccer players could be identified. Hypothesis Previous groin injuries, reduced function scores, age, findings on clinical examination, and low isometric groin strength are associated with increased risk of new groin injuries. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods A total of 508 players representing 31 amateur teams were tested during the 2004 preseason for potential risk factors for groin injury through a questionnaire on previous injury and function score (Groin Outcome Score [GrOS]) and a clinical examination of the groin. Generalized estimating equations were used in univariate analyses to identify candidate risk factors, and factors with a P value <.10 were then examined in a multivariate model. Results During the soccer season, 61 groin injuries affecting 55 legs (51 players) were registered. The total incidence of groin injuries was 0.6 injuries per 1000 playing hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-0.7), 0.3 injuries per 1000 training hours (95% CI, 0.2-0.4), and 1.8 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI, 1.2-2.5). In a multivariate analysis, previous acute groin injury (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.60; 95% CI, 1.10-6.11) and weak adductor muscles as determined clinically (adjusted OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.31-14.0) were significantly associated with increased risk of groin injuries. A multivariate analysis based only on acute time-loss injuries revealed the 40-m sprint test result (adjusted OR, 2.03 for 1 standard deviation change [injured group faster]; 95% CI, 1.06-3.88; P = .03) and functional testing of the rectal abdominal muscles (adjusted OR, 15.5 [painful in 19% of the players in the injured group compared to 16% in the uninjured group]; 95% CI, 1.11-217; P = .04) as significant risk factors. Conclusion A history of acute groin injury and weak adductor muscles are significant risk factors for new groin injuries.

Estudo dos efeitos de temporada de treinamento físico sobre a Performance de uma equipe de handebol feminino sub-21

O handebol é um esporte que demanda resistência associada a ações rápidas e potentes, como saltos, bloqueios, sprints e arremessos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de treinamento físico sistematizado de 38 semanas aplicado em uma equipe de handebol feminino sub-21 sobre a potência de membros superiores e inferiores, velocidade e resistência de sprints de 30m. A periodização consistiu de adaptação da teoria de cargas concentradas e objetivou dois picos de performance durante a temporada, com seis coletas de dados. Os valores de mediana e amplitude de variação dos dados (entre parênteses) para o teste de arremesso de medicine ball de 3kg foram: 2,98m (2,15-3,50), 2,84m (2,43-3,20), 2,90m (2,60-3,38), 3,10 (2,83-3,81), 2,84 (2,55-3,57) e 3,34 (2,93-3,83). Para o teste de salto triplo horizontal alternado: 5,60m (4,93-6,58), 5,37m (5,04-6,38), 5,36m (4,93-6,12), 5,65m (4,80-6,78), 5,63m (5,00-6,40) e 5,83m (5,14-6,05). Para o teste de velocidade de sprint de 30m: 5,8m/s (5,45-6,44), 6,64m/s (6,24-7,09), 5,65m/s (5,17-5,95) (não houve coleta IV para esta capacidade), 6,19m/s (5,57-6,26) e 5,83m/s (5,14-6,05). Para o número de sprints até queda de 10% velocidade de 30m: 4 (4-6), 5 (4-9), 4,5 (4-16) (não houve coleta IV para esta capacidade), 6 (4-12) e 5 (4-5). Observamos diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos testes de arremesso de medicine ball de 3kg e salto triplo horizontal em relação aos testes do início da temporada (p &lt; 0,05) em pelo menos um dos períodos planejados para obtenção do pico de performance, sem melhoras significativas na velocidade média e resistência de sprints de 30m. O treinamento aplicado foi eficiente para a melhoria do condicionamento físico específico nos picos de performance, propiciando também melhor ajuste no treinamento para a próxima temporada.

An Investigation into the Effects of Different Warm-Up Modalities on Specific Motor Skills Related to Soccer Performance

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different warm-up stretch modalities on specific high-speed motor capabilities important to soccer performance. Twenty-seven male soccer players performed 3 warm-up conditions, active warm-up (WU), WU with static stretching (SPS), and WU with dynamic stretching (ADS). Heart rate, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and Balsom agility tests were performed after each intervention. Vertical jump heights were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the WU and ADS conditions compared to those in the SPS trial. The 20-m sprint and agility times showed that the SPS condition was significantly slower (p < 0.01) than the WU and ADS conditions, with the ADS trial being significantly faster (p < 0.05) than the WU condition. Heart rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for participants post-WU and -ADS trials compared to the SPS condition. These findings suggest that the superior performance of the dynamic stretch and warm-up-only conditions compared to the static stretch condition may be linked to increases in heart rate. The reasons for the dynamic stretch trial superiority compared to the warm-up condition are less clear and as yet to be established. We recommend for optimal performance, specific dynamic stretches be employed as part of a warm-up, rather than the traditional static stretches.

Secular Trend (1997-2007) Of Physical Fitness Tests Performances In All Greek Children 8-9-y-old

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been stated already in childhood, including obesity, inadequate physical activity and low levels of physical fitness. PURPOSE: We examined 11-year (1997-2007) trends in the association between physical fitness performances and body mass index (BMI) categories in Greek children. METHODS: Population data derived from a yearly, school-based health survey carried out between 1997 and 2007 in >80% of all Greek schools. Anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests (multistage 20-meter shuttle run, vertical jump, small ball throw and 30-meter sprint) from 651.582 children aged 8 to 9 years (males: 51.2%) were analysed. The gender and age specific BMI cut-off points by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used in order to define underweight, normalweight, overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The aerobic performance decreased between 1997 and 2007, 4.9% (p<0.001) for boys and 4.4% (p<0.001) for girls. Trend analysis showed an increase in the prevalence of low quartile of estimated VO2max from 21% in 1997 to 48.2% in 2007 for girls (p<0.001) and from 25.7% in 1997 to 38.7% in 2007 (p<0.001) for boys. The mean value of speed according to 30m sprint test improved 1.2% and 2.0%, in boys (p=0.008) and girls (p=0.001) respectively, while the mean values in upper body strength (ball throw) and lower body strength (vertical jump), didn't differentiated significantly during the study period. Overweight and mainly obese children from both sexes had lower fitness performances on all of the fitness tests we examined (with exception ball throw). Furthermore, thin children didn't differ in poor performances of fitness tests comparing with normalweight counterparts; with exception ball throw. In overall fitness index the difference between fit and underfit being greater in 2007 than 1997 in girls, but not in boys. Approximately 80% and 85% of obese boys and girls respectively, failed to pass low quartile of all tests in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: The presented population-based data revealed that as the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 8 to 9-y-old Greek children is enlarged, simultaneously a negative trend for aerobic fitness occurs, suggesting a future generation with higher risk for CVD.

Whole-Body Vibration Training Effects on the Physical Performance of Basketball Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of 4 weeks of whole-body vibration training added to the conventional training of basketball players. Eighteen competitive basketball players (13 male symbol, 5 female symbol, 18-24 years old) were randomly assigned to a whole-body vibration group (WBVG, n = 10; 7 male symbol and 3 female symbol) or a control group (CG, n = 8; 6 male symbol and 2 female symbol). During the 4-week period, all subjects maintained their conventional basketball training program. The members of WBVG were additionally trained 3 times a week for 20 minutes on a vibration platform (10 unloaded static lower limb exercises, 40-Hz, 4-mm, Silverplate). Testing was performed before and after the 4-week period and comprised strength assessment, vertical jump performance, and a 10-m sprint test. The maximal voluntary isometric strength of the knee extensors significantly increased (p < 0.001) after vibration training, as did squat jump (SJ) height (p < 0.05), whereas performance of the countermovement jump, drop jump, 30-second rebound jump, and 10-m sprint remained unchanged. The results of the present study indicated that a 4-week whole-body vibration training program added to the conventional training of basketball players during the preseason is an effective short-term stimulus to enhance knee extensor strength and slightly SJ performance.

Effect of 2-wk intensified training and inactivity on muscle Na+-K+pump expression, phospholemman (FXYD1) phosphorylation, and performance in soccer players

The present study examined muscle adaptations and alterations in performance of highly trained soccer players with intensified training or training cessation. Eighteen elite soccer players were, for a 2-wk period, assigned to either a group that performed high-intensity training with a reduction in the amount of training (HI, n = 7), or an inactivity group without training (IN, n = 11). HI improved (P < 0.05) performance of the 4th, 6th, and 10th sprint in a repeated 20-m sprint test, and IN reduced (P < 0.05) performance in the 5th to the 10th sprints after the 2-wk intervention period. In addition, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 test performance of IN was lowered from 845 +/- 48 to 654 +/- 30 m. In HI, the protein expression of the Na(+)-K(+) pump alpha(2)-isoform was 15% higher (P < 0.05) after the intervention period, whereas no changes were observed in alpha(1)- and beta(1)-isoform expression. In IN, Na(+)-K(+) pump expression was not changed. In HI, the FXYD1ser68-to-FXYD1 ratio was 27% higher (P < 0.01) after the intervention period, and, in IN, the AB_FXYD1ser68 signal was 18% lower (P < 0.05) after inactivity. The change in FXYD1ser68-to-FXYD1 ratio was correlated (r(2) = 0.35; P < 0.05) with change in performance in repeated sprint test. The present data suggest that short-term intensified training, even for trained soccer players, can increase muscle Na(+)-K(+) pump alpha(2)-isoform expression, and that cessation of training for 2 wk does not affect the expression of Na(+)-K(+) pump isoforms. Resting phosphorylation status of the Na(+)-K(+) pump is changed by training and inactivity and may play a role in performance during repeated, intense exercise.

Game-Induced Fatigue Patterns in Elite Female Soccer

The purpose was to examine the fatigue pattern of elite female soccer players after competitive games. Soccer players (n = 23) from the Danish women Premier League performed a countermovement vertical jump test, a repeated 30-m sprint test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) test at rested state and after a competitive game. Average heart rate during the game was 86 +/- 1% of maximal heart rate with no differences between halves. Blood lactate was 5.1 +/- 0.5 mmol.L after the first half, which was higher (p < 0.05) than after the second half (2.7 +/- 0.4 mmol.L). Yo-Yo IE2 performance was 484 +/- 50 m after the game, which was 62% lower (p < 0.05) than at rested state (1,265 +/- 133 m). Average sprinting time of three 30-m sprints was 5.06 +/- 0.06 seconds after the game, which was 4% slower (p < 0.05) than at rest (4.86 +/- 0.06 seconds). No game-induced effect was observed on vertical jump performance. Significant inverse correlations were observed between Yo-Yo IE2 test performance and fatigue index during the repeated sprint test both at rest (r = -0.76, p < 0.05) and after the game (r = -0.66, p < 0.05). The study demonstrates that the type of fatigue that occurs after a female soccer game does cause marked impairment in intense intermittent exercise and repeated sprint performance but does not affect vertical jump performance. These findings support the notion that decrements in distance covered by sprinting and high-speed running toward the end of elite female games are caused by fatigue.

Aerobic capacity and sprint velocity of Leagues I and IV football players

Aerobic capacity and sprint velocity of Leagues I and IV football players Study aim: To assess the aerobic capacity, sprint velocity and changes in biochemical variables in football players preparing for the spring round of matches. Material and methods: Football players from League I (n = 19) and League IV (n = 15) were subjected twice to a graded running tests at the beginning and at the end of the pre-season preparation period. The following variables were recorded: maximum running velocity (km/h), O2max (ml/kg/min), pulmonary ventilation (VE), load at the lactate threshold (LT) expressed as the threshold velocity (LTV; km/h) or %O2max, activities of enzymes in plasma - creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), concentrations of lactate (La), ammonia (NH3) and of glucose (Gl) in plasma. At the end of the study the players were also subjected to a 30-m sprint test. Results: In League I players, LT significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased from 11.9 ± 0.8 (at the beginning) to 12.6 ± 0.7 km/h (at the end of the pre-season preparation period) and the maximum load - from 17.4 ± 0.9 to 18.3 ± 1.0 km/h, respectively. Also, the concentrations of NH3 and Gl significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased and enzyme activities tended to increase (p&lt;0.10) following the graded running test. Moreover, they attained significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher velocity at the first 5 m of the 30-m sprint test than their League IV mates. Conclusions: The negligible differences between football players from Leagues I and IV in their aerobic capacity and speed abilities, and the marked distance from world elite players in those indices, call for substantial changes in training strategies and schedules.

The Acute Effect of Different Warm-up Protocols on Anaerobic Performance in Elite Youth Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute effect of different warm-up protocols on anaerobic performance in elite youth soccer players. Twenty elite youth soccer players (mean age 17.2 +/- 1.2 years) performed 3 different warm-up protocols in a random order on nonconsecutive days. Each warm-up protocol consisted of a 5-minute low-intensity jog followed by 10 minutes of static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), or dynamic stretching followed by 8 front squats + 20% body mass (DSR). Subjects performed a countermovement jump followed by a 10- and 20-m sprint test immediately and at 3 and 6 minutes after each warm-up protocol. Vertical jump performance following DSR was better at 3 and 6 minutes than after DS, which in turn was better than after SS at 0, 3, and 6 minutes (p < 0.05). Jump performance was better at 3 minutes than immediately after, and this improvement was maintained at 6 minutes after DSR (p < 0.05). A better sprint performance was observed after DSR and DS compared with SS immediately and at 3 and 6 minutes following each warm-up protocol (p < 0.05). The results of the study suggest that a dynamic warm-up with the inclusion of resistance enhances jumping ability more than dynamic exercise alone. In addition, a dynamic warm-up produces a superior sprint and jump performance compared to a warm-up consisting of static stretching.

Relationships among field-test measures and physical match performance in elite-standard soccer referees

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which measures derived from the new FIFA referees’ fitness tests can be used to monitor a referee's match-related physical capacity. Match-analysis data were collected (Prozone®, Leeds, UK) from 17 soccer referees for 5.0 (s = 1.7) FA Premier League matches per referee during the first 4 months of the 2007–08 season. Physical match performance categories included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance (speed >5.5 m · s−1), and sprinting distance (>7.0 m · s−1). The two tests were a 6 × 40-m sprint test and a 150-m interval test. Heart rate demand was correlated with total match distance covered (r = −0.70, P = 0.002) and high-intensity running (r = −0.57, P = 0.018) in the interval test. The fastest 40-m sprint was related to total distance covered (r = −0.69, P = 0.002), high-intensity running (r = −0.76, P < 0.001), and sprinting distance (r = −0.75, P = 0.001), while mean time for the 40-m sprints was related to total distance covered (r = −0.70, P = 0.002), high-intensity running (r = −0.77, P < 0.001), and sprinting distance (r = −0.77, P < 0.001). The referees who recorded the best interval-test heart rate demand and fastest 40-m time produced the best physical match performances. However, only the sprint test and in particular the fastest 40-m time had appropriate construct validity for the physical assessment of soccer referees.

Generic Versus Small-sided Game Training in Soccer

The aim of this study was to compare 7 weeks of soccer-specific small-sided game (SSG) and mixed generic fitness training, on selected physiological, perceptual and performance variables. Twenty-five elite youth players were randomly allocated to either a SSG (coach selected) or generic training group (GTG), in a randomised, parallel matched-group design. In addition to normal training, each group completed two fitness training sessions per week of equal duration. Players completed a V O (2 max) treadmill test, Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRTL1), 12x20 m test of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and 20-m sprint test pre and post training. Training heart rate, perceived training intensity and perceptual fatigue measures were recorded throughout the training period. There were no differences in training heart rate or perceptual well-being measures. However, the GTG did perceive their training to be more intense than SSG. There were no changes in either group for V O (2 max), MSFT, RSA or sprint performance. However, there were improvements in YYIRTL1 performance for both groups over time, but not between groups. The results show that both types of training are equally effective at improving pre-season YYIRTL1 performance, despite GTG being perceived to be more intense.

Intense Intermittent Running Is More Effective Than High-resistance-training In Improving Continuous And Intermittent Exercise Performance

Several studies have investigated the response to various intermittent training regimes, however, it is unknown if short-duration intense interval training affects exercise performance differently than high-resistance-training. PURPOSE: To examine the effect of short-term intense intermittent training and high-resistance-training on exercise performance and aerobic variables in untrained males. METHODS: 16 untrained males (36.7±5.7 yrs, 182±6 cm, 93.7±13.9 kg) where randomly separated into two matched groups, which performed either intense intermittent training (IIT) or high-resistance-training (HRT) for 12 weeks. The IIT-group performed 5 × 2 min running at an average intensity >90% HRmax with 1 min recovery, while the HRT-group carried out one hour high-resistance strength training for the legs (week 0-4: 12-16RM, week: 4-12: 6-10RM). Both groups trained 2.0±0.3 times per week. Before and after training the subjects completed an exhaustive incremental treadmill test (ITT), the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test (level 2; Yo-Yo IE2), and a 30-m sprint test (30-m SP). RESULTS: Time to exhaustion in ITT was higher (P<0.05) in IIT after compared to before training (440±25 vs. 378±28 s), but was unchanged in HRT (355±56 vs. 347±34 s). VO2max increased (P<0.05) from 36.3±1.7 to 41.4±2.2 mlO2/min/kg in IIT, but was unaltered in HRT (36.8±3.2 vs. 37.9±3.3 mlO2/min/kg). A training-induced elevation (P<0.05) was observed in IIR in Yo-Yo IR2 performance (703±141 vs. 473±67 m), with no change in HRT (463±79 vs. 423±83 m). In the 30-m SP test, IIT ran ∼6% faster after the training period, with no change in HRT. CONCLUSION: Short-term intense intermittent training (∼20 min per week) is more beneficial than high-resistance-training for improvements in sprinting ability, intense intermittent and continuous exercise performance and aerobic power in untrained males.

Evaluating Sprinting Ability, Density of Acceleration, and Speed Dribbling Ability of Professional Soccer Players With Respect to Their Positions

The aim of this study is to evaluate sprinting ability, density of acceleration, and speed dribbling ability of professional soccer players with respect to their positions.A total of 243 professional soccer players were examined. These soccer players are playing in different leagues of Turkey. The F-MARC test battery, which was designed by FIFA, was used for soccer players. We did not find any statistical differences for 30-m sprint test and four-line sprint test values with respect to positions of soccer players (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistical difference for speed dribbling test values in terms of positions of soccer players (p < 0.05). It was found that the test values of defense players, midfielders, and forwards were better than the test values of goalkeepers (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study, which was done during the training season, shows that there is a similarity between the abilities of professional soccer players for 30-m sprint and four-line sprint tests. Therefore, it is believed that there must be fast players in all positions in terms of sprint ability. There is a similarity among defenders, midfielders, and forwards in terms of speed dribbling ability; in contrast, the speed dribbling ability of goal keepers is different from the players in those three positions. Although there are many more speed dribbling exercises within the training programs of defenders, midfielders, and forwards, the speed dribbling ability test is not used much for goal keepers. Correspondingly, speed dribbling ability is not a specific indicator for goal keepers, and this test should not be used for the choice of goalkeepers.

Relationships Between Repeated Sprint Testing, Speed, and Endurance

Repeated sprint testing is gaining popularity in team sports, but the methods of data analysis and relationships to speed and endurance qualities are not well described. We compared three different methods for analyzing repeated sprint test results, and we quantified relationships between repeated sprints, short sprints, and endurance test scores. Well-trained male junior Australian Football players (n = 60, age 18.1 +/- 0.4 years, height 1.88 +/- 0.07 m, mass 82.0 +/- 8.1 kg; mean +/- SD) completed a 6 x 30-m repeated sprint running test on a 20-second cycle, a 20-m sprint test (short sprint), and the 20-m multistage shuttle run for endurance. Repeated sprint results were evaluated in three ways: total time for all six sprints (TOTAL), percent change from predicted times (PRED) from the fastest 30-m sprint time, and percent change from first to last sprint (CHANGE). We observed a very large decrement (CHANGE 6.3 +/- 0.7%, mean +/- 90% confidence limits) in 30-m performance from the first to last sprint (4.16 +/- 0.10 to 4.42 +/- 0.11 seconds, mean +/- SD). Results from TOTAL were highly correlated with 20-m sprint and 20-m multistage shuttle run tests. Performance decrements calculated by PRED were highly correlated with TOTAL (r = 0.91), but neither method was directly comparable with CHANGE (r = -0.23 and r = 0.12 respectively). TOTAL was moderately correlated with fastest 20-m sprint time (r = 0.66) but not the 20-m multistage shuttle run (r = -0.20). Evaluation of repeated sprint testing is sensitive to the method of data analysis employed. The total sprint time and indices of the relative decrement in performance are not directly interchangeable. Repeated sprint ability seems more related to short sprint qualities than endurance fitness.

The Use of Sprint Tests for Assessment of Speed Qualities of Elite Australian Rules Footballers

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between split times within sprint tests over 30 m and 40 m in elite Australian Rules footballers. Data were analyzed from two Australian Football League (AFL) clubs. The first club (n = 35) conducted a 40-m sprint test and recorded split times at 10 m and 20 m. The second club (n = 30) conducted a 30-m sprint test and recorded splits at 10 m and 20 m. Analyses included calculation of Pearson correlations and common variances between all the split times as well as "flying" times (20-40 m for the first club and 20 to 30 m for the second club). There was a high correlation (r = 0.94) between 10-m time and 20-m time within each club, indicating these measures assessed very similar speed qualities. The correlations between 10-m time and times to 30 m and 40 m decreased, but still produced common variances of 79% and 66% respectively. However when the "flying" times (20-40 m and 20-30 m) were correlated to 10-m time, the common variances decreased substantially to 25% and 42% respectively, indicating uniqueness. It was concluded that 10-m time is a good reflection of acceleration capabilities and either 20 to 40 m in a 40-m sprint test or 20 to 30 m in a 30-m sprint test can be used to estimate maximum speed capabilities. It was suggested that sprint tests over 30 m or 40 m can be conducted indoors to provide useful information about independent speed qualities in athletes.

Fatigue during a 5-km Running Time Trial

This study investigated fatigue-induced changes in neuromuscular and stride characteristics during and immediately after the 5-km running time trial. Eighteen well-trained male distance runners performed a maximal 20-m sprint test and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in a leg press machine before and immediately after the 5-km running time trial. In all the tests the EMG of five lower limb muscles was measured. The results of the present study showed that muscle fatigue measured in maximal exercises like 20-m sprint and MVC are not related to the fatigue induced changes during the 5-km time trial. The fatigue in the 20-m sprint test was related to the maximal 20-m pretest velocity (r=0.58, p<0.05), but the velocity loss during the 5-km time trial was inversely related to 5-km performance (r= - 0.60, p<0.05) and training volume (r= - 0.58, p<0.05). It was concluded that the fatigue in 5-km running measured pre- and postexercise at maximal effort is more related to sprint performance rather than endurance performance, but the fatigue measured during the 5-km running is related to endurance performance and factors affecting pacing strategy.

Fitness testing and career progression in AFL football

Relationships between fitness testing and career progression in the Australian Football League (AFL) are under-explored. This study investigated relationships between anthropometric and fitness tests conducted at the annual AFL National Draft Camp and subsequent career progression of players. A total of 283 players was tested over three consecutive camps (1999-2001). The anthropometric and fitness measures were: height, mass, sum of skinfolds, 20-m sprint test, vertical jump (standing and bilateral running), agility run and a multi-stage incremental shuttle run. The five outcome variables were: drafted (yes/no), AFL debut (yes/no), number of AFL games played to the end of 2003, and subjective ratings of career potential and career value (5-point scale). Of 205 players (72%) subsequently drafted, 166 (59%) eventually made their AFL debut. Players drafted to AFL clubs were faster over 5 m, 10 m and 20 m, ran further in the shuttle run and ran marginally faster in the agility test than players not drafted. Multi-regression analysis showed small to moderate correlations (r = 0.27-0.31) between the designated outcome variables and selected fitness tests: 20-m sprint time (faster), agility run test (faster), and running vertical jump (higher absolute height and smaller difference between left and ride sides). Regression analysis for the standing vertical jump relative to standing reach height showed a counterintuitive negative correlation with positive outcomes, possibly reflecting non-compliance with testing procedures by the less successful athletes. We conclude that the 20-m sprint, jump, agility and shuttle run tests have a small but important association with career progression of AFL footballers.

The Effects of Acute Creatine Supplementation on Multiple Sprint Cycling and Running Performance in Rugby Players

The benefits of creatine (CR) supplementation are well documented, particularly during repeated bouts of high-intensity muscular activity. Most published experiments use mass-supported (cycle ergometry) activities as a means of evaluating creatine's efficacy, therefore minimizing any possible adverse effects of increased body mass associated with CR supplementation. This study aims to use both mass-supported and mass-dependent activities to assess the effectiveness of acute CR supplementation on a group of highly trained rugby players. A randomized, double-blind, crossover research design was utilized, with subjects receiving 20 g.d(-1) x 5 d of both CR and a glucose placebo (PL). Subjects were assessed via 10 x 6-second Wingate test and a 10 x 40-m sprint test on separate days, presupplementation and postsupplementation. A 28-d washout period separated the two treatments. No significant treatment (p > 0.05) or treatment by test interaction effects (p > 0.05) were observed for peak or minimum power output (W), peak or minimum running velocity (m.s(-1)), or fatigue index (%). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found postsupplementation for body mass and percentage body fat. Although statistical significance was not achieved for any of the measured parameters, there were small improvements in performance that may be of benefit to rugby players.

Corrélations et différences de performance entre des footballeurs, professionnels, en formation et amateurs à partir du test de sprint (10 mètres départ arrêté) et de tests isocinétiques du genou

Objective. – To study differences between professional soccer players, young players and amateur players for sprint test and knee isokinetic assessment. Method. – Ten professional players (Ligue 1) (24.4 ± 3.5 years) were compared with 13 young players (national-level) (20.7 ± 1.3 years) and 11 amateur players (regional-level) (24.3 ± 3.7 years). The 10-m sprint test was measured with photoelectric cells and isokinetic tests were carried out in a concentric action at 60 and 180 deg/s and in an eccentric action for flexors at 60 deg/s (Cybex Norm). The comparisons were realized by using an ANOVA test and the correlations were established with a Spearman test. Results. – Amateur soccer players run significantly more slowly than young and professional players ( P < 0.001). Significant correlations between sprint test, age and extensor torque reported to the body weight at 180 deg/s are found. Flexors torque and concentric ratio hamstring-to-quadriceps are comparable whatever sports level. On the other hand, a flexors asymmetry is shown in professional soccer players. The dominant leg and the playing position do not influence this result. Conclusion. – According to isokinetic parameters and the 10-m sprint studied, young soccer players and professional soccer players present athletic performances superior to those of the amateurs. These decrease with the age, whatever sports level.

The effect of a prophylactic dose of flurbiprofen on muscle soreness and sprinting performance in trained subjects

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a prophylactic dose of a local, transcutaneously administered, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on muscle soreness, muscle damage and sprinting performance in young trained males. Twenty-five subjects aged 19 3 years, actively participating in rugby union and field hockey, were familiarized with the test procedure and then divided at random into an experimental group (n=13) and a control group (n=12). The experimental group received two patches, each containing 40 mg flurbiprofen (TransAct LATTM), 12 h before an exercise bout designed to produce delayed-onset soreness (DOMS). The control group received identical non-medicated placebo patches at the same time. Delayed-onset muscle soreness was induced by an exercise protocol consisting of drop jumps (seven sets of 10 repetitions). Serum creatine kinase activity, muscle soreness, muscle girth and acceleration in a maximal sprint over 30 m were measured before the induction of DOMS and at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h thereafter. Plasma lactate concentration was measured 3 min after the 30-m sprint tests. Subjects in both groups had significantly more pain at 24 and 48 h compared with at 12 and 72 h ( P < 0.05; Friedman two-way analysis of variance). Thigh girth and serum creatine kinase did not change throughout the experiment. Although plasma lactate concentrations were elevated after the 30-m sprint, there were no differences between groups or as a result of DOMS. The greatest acceleration occurred between 5 and 10 m. This was not affected by the anti-inflammatory drug or DOMS. In conclusion, the aetiology of the DOMS induced in the trained subjects in this study seems to be independent of inflammatory processes or, more specifically, of increases in prostaglandin synthesis in the muscles.