Field-based Tests Research Articles

Performance of male and female soccer players in field-based tests for screening the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Performance of male and female soccer players in field-based tests for screening the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Effects of Age and Sex on Aerobic Fitness, Sprint Performance, and Change of Direction Speed in High School Athletes.

Hackett, DA, He, W, Fleeton, JRM, Orr, R, and Sanders, RH. Effects of age and sex on aerobic fitness, sprint performance, and change of direction speed in high school athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 325-331, 2023-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sex and age on aerobic fitness, sprinting performance, and change of direction speed (CODS) in high school athletes, with consideration for maturity. This cross-sectional study involved 2,132 adolescents (1,415 male and 717 female athletes) aged 12.0-15.9 years. Assessment of aerobic fitness using the 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) and 20-m sprint and CODS using the 505 test was performed. For the analysis of data, subjects were separated into 4 age groups: U/13 years, U/14 years, U/15 years, and U/16 years. Estimated age at peak height velocity was a covariate in the data analysis to control for maturity status. Compared with female athletes, male athletes had superior performances at all age groups in 10-m sprint ( p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = >-0.44), 20-m sprint ( p < 0.001, ES = >-0.55), and 505 test ( p < 0.001, ES = >-0.41). Female athletes performed better than male athletes in 20MSFT at U/13 ( p < 0.01, ES = -0.22); however, male athletes had better performances at U/15 ( p < 0.01, ES = 0.27) and U/16 ( p < 0.001, ES = 0.67). At each consecutive age group, male athletes improve their performances in 20MSFT and sprints and at U/14 and U/16 in the 505 test ( p < 0.001, ES > -0.37). Female athletes showed no improvement in the 20MSFT and 505 test between U/13-U/16 but showed improved sprint performance at U/15 compared with U/13 and at U/16 compared with U/14 ( p < 0.05). This study shows that adolescent male athletes perform consistently better than female athletes in running-related field-based tests and display continuous improvements across age groups.

Physical fitness characteristics and neck and shoulder pain incidence in school-aged children-A 2-year follow-up.

Background and AimsNeck and shoulder pain (NSP) is common in school age, but preventative factors have not been identified. The purpose was to study whether a fitness test could be used to predict the incidence of NSP and determine whether good physical fitness characters would be associated with lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children at 2‐year follow‐up.MethodsAfter the invitation to nine schools, 970 children (10–15 years old) agreed to participate. Flexibility, fundamental movement skills, musculoskeletal fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness measurements included in Finnish Schools on the Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity were measured at baseline in 2013. The NSP incidence was assessed by an online survey during school hours after 1 and 2 years. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between physical fitness characteristics and NSP incidence.ResultsThe mean prevalence of NSP was 26% at baseline. The NSP incidence was 15% in the first and 18% in the second follow‐up year. Good physical fitness was not associated with lower NSP incidence in the 2‐year follow‐up. Successful lower back extension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83) and good scores in curl‐up (OR = 1.80) adjusted with age, gender, and body mass index, were associated with higher NSP incidence between T0 and T2. Throwing–catching combination (OR = 0.55) was associated with a lower NSP incidence in unadjusted analysis, but the association did not remain after adjustments.ConclusionGood physical fitness characteristics were not consistently associated with a lower NSP incidence in school‐aged children in a 2‐year follow‐up. The role of general field‐based physical fitness test as a screening tool for NSP incidence remains unconfirmed. More longitudinal studies are needed to detect the factors underlying NSP incidence in school‐aged children.

Reliability and validity of field-based tests for assessing physical fitness in gymnasts

This systematic review aimed at analysing the reliability and validity of field-based tests for assessing physical fitness in gymnasts. Three electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus) were searched up to March 2022, in order to identify studies that assessed the psychometric properties of field-based physical fitness test among gymnastics. A total of 16 studies on several gymnastics modalities (artistics n = 11; rhythmic n = 3, artistics and rhythmic n = 1; aerobic n = 1), were analyzed. All studies reported on reliability measured through test-retest design. Validity was reported in only four studies. Regarding specific tests, the split test (ICC = 0.998), and the handstand (ICC= 1) showed the highest test-retest reliability. The greater validity values were achieved by the split test (r 2 = 0.52), hanging pikes test (r 2 = 0.86), and handstand test (r 2 = 0.65). A great variety of both specific and non-specific physical fitness tests have been analyzed in the field of gymnastics. The side split test, the handstand test, the vertical jump test, the 20-m run test, the agility test, and the aerobic gymnast anaerobic test could be useful tools to assess flexibility, strength, balance, muscular power, speed, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness in gymnasts. Further investigations analyzing absolute reliability and criterion validity are needed.

Design of the Mechanical Structure of a Field-Based Crop Phenotyping Platform and Tests of the Platform

The field mobile platform is an important tool for high-throughput phenotype monitoring. To overcome problems in existing field-based crop phenotyping platforms, including limited application scope and low stability, a rolling adjustment method for the wheel tread was proposed. A self-propelled three-wheeled field-based crop phenotyping platform with variable wheel tread and height above ground was developed, which enabled phenotypic information of different dry crops in different development stages. A three-dimensional model of the platform was established using Pro/E; ANSYS and ADAMS were used for static and dynamic performance. Results show that when running on flat ground, the platform has a vibration acceleration lower than 0.5 m/s2. When climbing over an obstacle with a height of 100 mm, the vibration amplitude of the platform is 88.7 mm. The climbing angle is not less than 15°. Field tests imply that the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the ratio vegetation index (RVI) of a canopy measured using crop growth sensors mounted on the above platform show favorable linear correlations with those measured using a handheld analytical spectral device (ASD). Their R2 values are 0.6052 and 0.6093 and root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) are 0.0487 and 0.1521, respectively. The field-based crop phenotyping platform provides a carrier for high-throughput acquisition of crop phenotypic information.

Determinants of Longitudinal Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity: The EVASYON Study.

We investigated which determinants (socioeconomic, early life factors, body composition changes, fitness changes and/or physical activity changes) best predicted longitudinal outcomes in cardiometabolic risk profile (Z-score change) in adolescents with OW/OB who underwent a 13-month multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention. A total of 165 adolescents (13–16 y; 46% boys) from the EVASYON study were included. Socioeconomic variables and early life factors were obtained from the medical records. Body composition was assessed using anthropometry. Fitness and physical activity were measured with field-based tests and questionnaires. Cardiometabolic risk factors (fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and waist circumference) were derived from standard methods in the hospital. Body weight changes, sex and mother’s education were selected in the stepwise process as the most important determinants of changes in cardiometabolic risk profile (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.002; R2 = 0.14, p = 0.013; and R2 = 0.14, p = 0.017, respectively). Both boys and girls showed a lower cardiometabolic risk score with the reduction in body weight (r = 0.535, p = 0.009 and r = 0.506, p = 0.005, respectively). There was no interaction between sex and body weight change (p = 0.614). In conclusion, the simple measure of changes in body weight should be considered to track changes in cardiometabolic risk profile in adolescents with OW/OB.

Functional classification and performance in wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball players are classified into four classes based on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation competition system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the IWBF functional classification for wheelchair basketball was related to different performance field-based tests. Forty wheelchair basketball athletes took part in the study. The players carried out five field tests, three of which were quantitative, related to the three conditional skills (strength, endurance and speed test) and two of the qualitative type (accuracy and shooting ability tests). Pearson's correlation was performed to analyse the correlation between the score obtained from functional classification and the results of the wheelchair performance tests. The IWBF class was not correlated (p &lt;0.05) with any of the tests performed. Players with even major injuries, in their best wheelchair set-up, even achieved better times than upper-class players; therefore, the disability factor in these tests is not an index that determines performance disadvantage. The study shows that the functional classification does not affect the qualitative-quantitative performance, so the disabled athlete with a lower score is not disadvantaged in basketball.

What Factors Discriminate Young Soccer Players Perceived as Promising and Less Promising by Their Coaches?

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study aimed to verify whether there are differences in physical, technical, and tactical assessment outcomes derived from field-based tests and small-sided games (SSG) in addition to anthropometric and maturational characteristics between players classified as promising and less promising as per the coaches’ perception. Method: A total of 53 male U-15 youth soccer players (age: 14.8 ± 0.2 years, weight: 61.7 ± 6.9 kg, height: 171.8 ± 6.7 cm) and three experienced coaches from three distinct sports clubs were enrolled in this study. Based on the coaches’ perception, players were split into three group levels for both short- and long-term success ranking: (i) promising (PL; top 5 players; n = 15), (ii) intermediate (IL; n = 23) and (iii) less promising (LPL; 5 bottom players; n = 15). The following measures were determined: anthropometry, maturity offset, vertical jump, and aerobic-anaerobic running performance, soccer- specific skills tests, GPS-based running metrics, technical and tactical actions during SSG, and minutes played throughout the season. Results: There were no differences between groups for anthropometrical, maturational, and physical outcomes. PL players in both rankings covered more distances at sprinting and presented more offensive technical and tactical actions during SSG than their LPL peers. PL and IL presented more minutes played in competitive seasons than LPL of short-term ranking. Conclusion: The biggest differences between the players ranked by their coaches were apparent only during a representative game task, emphasizing the importance of SSG as a tool to assess the players’ technical-tactical awareness. In addition to the SSG, the coach’s eye plays a key role during the talent identification and selection process.

Field/Laboratory/Field Cycle Optimizes Fracture Placement, Well Performance

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 204189, “8,070 Miles From the Field to the Laboratory and Back: A Pragmatic Sequencing of Laboratory- and Field-Based Fluid Testing and Quality Assurance/Quality Control—A Case History From Sichuan Region, China,” by A. Casero, SPE, A. Gomaa, and J. Ronderos, SPE, Titan Global Oil Services, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. This paper illustrates comprehensive laboratory efforts undertaken to evaluate different high-viscosity friction reducers (HVFRs) and crosslinked gel products, their successful field application supported by a robust and effective field quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) process, and the critical importance of maintaining an effective field/laboratory/field cycle to optimize fluid design and maximize results. A successful execution of several treatments in a challenging shale play in the Sichuan region of China achieved record proppant placements and, just as importantly, demonstrated repeatability and consistency over time, which had not previously been attained. Geological Setting The Sichuan Basin in southern China is a very active unconventional play targeting the Longmaxi Shale, a high-pressure/high-temperature shallow-to-deep marine shale deposited on top of the Baota limestone during the Late Ordovician and Early Silurian ages. The highly complex subsurface geomechanical environment is considered the main root cause of widespread casing deformation and associated challenges facing hydraulic fracturing.

Study of the Reliability of Field Test Methods for Physical Fitness in Children Aged 2-3 Years.

Physical fitness measures overall physical health. It is the ability of the body to work effectively and stay healthy during leisure and emergencies. Given the progressive integration of 2–3-year-olds into preschool, physical fitness testing of these children has become increasingly important. We aimed to develop and test the reliability of an appropriate field test method for physical fitness in 2–3-year-olds children. One hundred and three children (44 boys and 59 girls) volunteered for this study. Their height and weight were tested, and the same tester conducted the test twice for handgrip strength, 3 m balance walking, stair climbing, 5 m run, and kicking a ball at one-minute intervals. Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for reliability testing. The reliability of this field test method for physical fitness was high in the repetitive tests of Chinese 2–3-year-olds for the four items of handgrip strength, 3 m balance walking, stair climbing and 5 m run, and the reliability was moderate for the kicking the ball item. This study indicates that these field-based physical fitness test methods have good reliability and are simple, feasible, safe, and easy to be accepted and understood by 2–3-year-old children; thus, it may be used as a reference for professionals in China and abroad.

Body fat percentage, cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial blood pressure in children and adolescents: a longitudinal analysis

BackgroundA better understanding of how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and adiposity interact to associate with arterial blood pressure over time remains inconclusive. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine whether changes in CRF moderates the association between body fat percentage (BF%) and arterial blood pressure in children and adolescents.MethodsThis is an observational longitudinal study with 407 children and adolescents aged 8–17 years followed-up for three years from a city in Southern Brazil. Participants were evaluated in 2011 and 2014. CRF was measured by validated field-based tests following the Projeto Esporte Brazil protocols and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was estimated. BF% was determined by the measures of tricipital and subscapular skinfolds using equations according to sex. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured with a sphygmomanometer according to standard procedures. Moderation analyses included multiple linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, pubertal status, height, socioeconomic level, skin color, and the arterial blood pressure variable itself at baseline.ResultsIt was observed a significant inverse association between VO2peak at baseline with SBP (β = − 0.646 CI95% = − 0.976 − 0.316) and DBP (β = − 0.649 CI95% = − 0.923 − 0.375) at follow-up and a positive association between BF% at baseline with SBP (β = 0.274; CI95% = 0.094 0.455) and DBP (β = 0.301; CI95% = 0.150 0.453) at follow-up. In addition, results indicated a significant interaction term between changes in VO2peak and BF% at baseline with both SBP (p = 0.034) and DBP at follow-up (p = 0.011), indicating that an increase of at least 0.35 mL/kg/min and 1.78 mL/kg/min in VO2peak attenuated the positive relationship between BF% with SBP and DBP.ConclusionCRF moderates the relationship between BF% and SBP and DBP in children and adolescents.

Energy-saving optimization based on residential building orientation and shape with multifactor coupling in the Tibetan areas of western Sichuan, China

ABSTRACT Following field-based research and testing of residential buildings in Tibetan areas of western Sichuan, this study studied the interactions between and dynamic effects of geographic and meteorological elements. By quantifying the combined influence of geographical and meteorological elements on building orientation, the concept of the total orientation-based mean temperature difference was introduced, and a method for obtaining the optimum building orientation was provided based on an equation for calculating the average temperature difference by orientation. By quantifying the coupled influence of geographical and meteorological elements on building shape, an approach for optimizing building shape designs based on an equation for calculating the optimal building width was created. We found that a linear expression cannot be used to describe the quantitative relationship between the average indoor temperature and building orientation. When the horizontal solar radiation intensity was ≤6.44 MJ/m2 d, the primary consideration in building design was the shape coefficient. When the horizontal solar radiation intensity was >6.44 MJ/m2 d, the building width was the main evaluation index, and the shape coefficient was the auxiliary index. Based on the above findings, we propose a design scheme for optimizing the orientation and shape of buildings in major cities in western Sichuan.

The Normative Effect of Harmonic Loads on Pile Group Depends on the Characteristics of Dynamic Response

Pile-supported machine foundations are examined in this work to identify the dynamic features of linear and nonlinear theories. A three-pile group with a 3 m pile length and an outer diameter of 0.114 m is given axial harmonic loading before field-based forcing vibration testing. For four distinct eccentric moments, tests are carried out at a static load of 12 kN. Each eccentric instant's reaction in terms of frequency and amplitude is examined. The continuum approach technique is also used for theoretical analysis, which employs both linear and nonlinear solutions. All of the eccentric moments' dynamic field test findings are compared to theoretically expected frequency-amplitude responses. In comparison to the actual test findings, the linear solution's anticipated responses show lower resonant amplitudes and substantially higher resonant frequencies. The dynamic response curves predicted by the nonlinear solution fit the test findings rather well in this situation. To achieve this degree of agreement with nonlinear analysis results, precision in border zone parameters and soil-pile separation lengths was necessary.

The association between training load and physical development in professional male youth soccer players: a systematic review

Objectives 1) To evaluate current physical performance tests used within professional male youth soccer; 2) to understand the relationship of these tests performance in relation to specific measures of external and internal training load (TL) to conclude if there is a subsequent change in test performance. Methods Relevant literature was searched using five electronic databases (PubMed Medline, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus), with additional articles identified by the authors. Articles relating to TL and physical development assessment within professional male youth soccer players were evaluated. Results Database searches yielded 5683 articles following removal of duplicates. After screening the titles, abstracts and full texts, 28 articles were identified. Both external TL (total distance, high speed distance, duration) and internal TL (rating of perceived exertion, training impulse) measures were found to be associated with improvements in physical test performance across both pre-season and in-season phases. Field-based testing was found to be sensitive to changes in physical performance for aerobic capacity, lower body power/strength and sprint performance. However, limited sensitivity to change was found when assessing player agility performance. Conclusion Future research in this area should look to enhance our understanding of the dose-response of TL with changes in fitness across different age groups in professional male youth soccer.

Effect of Long-Term Fertilization on Aggregate Size Distribution and Nutrient Accumulation in Aeolian Sandy Soil.

Soil aggregates are the material basis of soil structure and important carriers of nutrients. Long-term application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can affect the composition of soil aggregates to varying degrees, which in turn affects the distribution and storage of soil nutrients. We report the results of a 15-year long-term field-based test of aeolian sandy soil and used the wet sieve method to analyze the stability of water-stable aggregates, as well as the distribution characteristics of nutrients in different particle size aggregates. Our results show that long-term application of organic fertilizer (M3) and combined organic–inorganic treatments (NPK1-M1, NPK1-M2, and NPK1-M3) help to increase the amount of organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and cation exchange in the macro-aggregates, and the improvement rates are 92–103%, 8–28%, and 74–85%, respectively. The organic content of the fertilizers also promotes the formation of macro-aggregates, and the stability of aggregates increase from 0.24 to 0.45. In contrast, the application of inorganic fertilizers (NPK1, NPK2, and NPK3) has no marked effect on the formation and stability of macro-aggregates; the application of inorganic fertilizers can merely maintain the organic carbon content of the soil. Correlation analysis shows that the application of organic fertilizers and chemical (inorganic) fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium can markedly increase the content and reserves of available phosphorus and potassium across all aggregate sizes, and there is a significant positive correlation between these parameters and the amount of applied fertilizer (p < 0.05). Aggregates of various sizes in aeolian sandy soils in arid areas have the potential for greater nutrient storage. Therefore, organic fertilizers can be used in the agricultural production process to improve soil structure and fertility.

Integrating field-based tests into weekly soccer training sessions: a comparison of physiological demands of three progressive multistage fitness tests and regular training demands

PurposeThis study compares the physiological demands of 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIRT), and VAMEVAL test as related to training and match demands among youth soccer players.MethodsOverall, 12 under-19 male soccer players (18.21 ± 0.34 years old) were monitored over 3 consecutive weeks for heart rate (HR) responses during training sessions and matches. During this period, they were assessed with 30-15IFT, YYIRT, and VAMEVAL. The measures were taken on the same day of the week to ensure replicable conditions between the tests.ResultsThe Friedman test revealed significant differences in the average HR (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.006), time in HR zone 3 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), and time in HR zone 4 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.039) between the tests. Considering the representativeness of the tests in comparison with training sessions and matches, both 30-15IFT and VAMEVAL corresponded to 48% and 46% of the training session load 3 days before the match day (936 ± 447 s) and on the match day (831 ± 533 s), respectively.ConclusionsYYIRT imposed greater time exposure to high HR intensities (in the zones of 80–100% of HR maximum) than VAMEVAL and 30-15IFT. Moreover, the multistage fitness tests corresponded to slightly more than half of the time in which a player was exposed to 80% and 100% of HR maximum during a regular training session and match day. These findings may assist coaches in understanding how to incorporate intermittent fitness tests within training in order to accurately replicate HR responses of match conditions.

Locomotor demands of 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, and VAMEVAL test and comparisons with regular locomotor demands in training sessions and matches: a study conducted in youth male soccer players

Purpose.The study aim was 2-fold: (i) characterize and compare the locomotor demands of 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIRT), and VAMEVAL test; (ii) compare the locomotor demands of these progressive multistage tests with those of training sessions and matches in youth soccer players.Methods.A descriptive case study lasting 3 weeks was performed to implement the tests once and to monitor the locomotor demands in training sessions and matches. Overall, 12 soccer players (age: 18.21 ± 0.34 years) from the same team participated after consideration of inclusion criteria. A Global Positioning System unit was used for each player over the training sessions, matches, and multistage tests to monitor locomotor demands. The following outcomes were extracted: total distance; peak speed; distances covered at 3.00–6.99 km/h (Z1), 7.00–10.99 km/h (Z2), 11.00–14.99 km/h (Z3), 15.00–18.99 km/h (Z4), and 19.00 km/h (Z5); accelerations at 0.50 to 0.99 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and 1.00 to 1.99 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;; and decelerations at –0.99 to –0.50 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and –1.99 to –1.00 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;.Results.Significant differences between progressive multistage tests were found in total distance (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.028); distances covered at Z1 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), Z2 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), Z3 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001), Z4 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.009), and Z5 (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.044); accelerations at 0.50 to 0.99 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) and 1.00 to 1.99 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001); and decelerations at –0.99 to –0.50 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001) and –1.99 to –1.00 m/s&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). The total distance of the 3 progressive multistage tests may vary between 39% and 49% of a middle training session (match-day 3). However, as for intense locomotor demands at distance covered at Z4, 2 of the field-based tests exceeded a typical match-day 3 between 308 m (+83%) in 30-15IFT and 112 m (+30%) in YYIRT.Conclusions.The results suggests that 30-15IFT is more demanding considering high-intensity locomotor activities, while YYIRT and VAMEVAL are more demanding considering moderate locomotor demands. Moreover, specific adjustments in training sessions must be conducted, especially when introducing 30-15IFT and YYIRT since they may exceed the typical doses of distances covered at 11.00–14.99 km/h and 15.00–18.99 km/h.

A systematic review of the criterion validity and reliability of technical and tactical field-based tests in soccer

BackgroundField-based tests are important since they can guarantee ecological validity. Although most such tests are designed to assess physical fitness, tactical and technical dimensions are also determinants in a full battery of tests.ObjectivesThis systematic review aimed to (a) summarize the criterion validity and reliability of technical and tactical field-based tests applied in soccer and (b) list valid and reliable technical and tactical field-based tests.MethodsA systematic review of EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria included (i) population (soccer players from any age group, competitive level, or sex); (ii) exposure (exposure to technical and/or tactical field-based tests covering individual technical skills, tactical behaviours, tactical knowledge, and decision-making in the field); (iii) comparator (a laboratory test and/or a criterion field-based test); (iv) outcome (measures of reliability); and (v) no restrictions concerning study design. The synthesis of results focused on the outcomes considered in the eligibility criteria.ResultsA total of 5008 titles were identified, of which 21 met the eligibility criteria. Eight studies’ analyses centred on tactical tests. Of those, six studies tested the same instrument (FUT-SAT), one study examined divergent thought, and one study used a soccer-specific skills test Among the 10 included studies involving technical tests, only two repeated the same test (the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test). Three studies included tests concurring with physical ones. According to the main findings, the eight studies that used tactical tests revealed that the outcomes obtained from the tests and observers were reliable. The 10 studies that used technical tests, as well as the three concurrent studies, revealed similarly high reliability. Of the eight studies that used tactical tests, seven involved youth participants. Furthermore, three of the 10 studies that conducted technical tests were done on adults. Of the concurrent tests, three involved youth athletes. Only one study including a tactical analysis presented values for validity, while three others provided information about validity. The four studies provided information about test validity.ConclusionsOverall, the selected technical and tactical tests, most of which were carried out on youth players, revealed their validity and reliability. Although most studies focused on reliability (which was confirmed regardless of the test included), criterion validity was also observed in the few studies that analysed such factors. Thus, the tests currently proposed for assessing technical and tactical behaviours possess acceptable criterion validity and reliability.

Comparison of the Field-Based Intermittent Running Fitness Test 30-15 and the Treadmill Multistage Incremental Test for the Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elite Handball Players.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the physiological parameters indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness obtained during the 30-15 intermittent fitness (30-15IFT) test and the multistage laboratory treadmill endurance (TR) test differ. Nineteen elite handball players were recruited for the current study and assigned in a cross-over manner to one of two tests to be performed 48 h apart at each visit to the testing facility. The results showed that VO2max (percentage difference [PC] = 6.1%; p = 0.004) and maximal running velocity (V) (PC = 19.4%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher for the 30-15IFT test than that obtained during the TR test. Furthermore, the onset of blood lactate accumulation was shown to be significantly higher for all measures considered to predict it during 30-15IFT compared to TR as follows: VO2max (PC = 12.6%; p = 0.001), running speed (PC = 33.9%; p < 0.001), and maximal heart rate (PC = 7.5%; p < 0.001). The current study highlights the importance of sport-specific testing, particularly for measuring individual cardiorespiratory fitness in elite handball players, as TR may underestimate crucial variables used for both diagnostics and training prescription.

Strength and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Noncontact ACL Injury in Elite Female Footballers: A Prospective Study.

This study aimed to determine if a preseason field-based test battery was prospectively associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in elite female footballers. In total, 322 elite senior and junior female Australian Rules Football and soccer players had their isometric hip adductor and abductor strength, eccentric knee flexor strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) kinetics, and single-leg hop kinematics assessed during the 2019 preseason. Demographic and injury history details were also collected. Footballers were subsequently followed for 18 months for ACL injury. Fifteen noncontact ACL injuries occurred during the follow-up period. Prior ACL injury (odds ratio [OR], 9.68; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.67-31.46), a lower isometric hip adductor to abductor strength ratio (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61), greater CMJ peak take-off force (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09-3.61), and greater single-leg triple vertical hop average dynamic knee valgus (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.06-3.63) and ipsilateral trunk flexion (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.01-2.55) were independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent ACL injury. A multivariable prediction model consisting of CMJ peak take-off force, dynamic knee valgus, and ACL injury history that was internally validated classified ACL injured from uninjured footballers with 78% total accuracy. Between-leg asymmetry in lower limb strength and CMJ kinetics were not associated with subsequent ACL injury risk. Preseason field-based measures of lower limb muscle strength and biomechanics were associated with future noncontact ACL injury in elite female footballers. These risk factors can be used to guide ACL injury screening practices and inform the design of targeted injury prevention training in elite female footballers.