Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level Research Articles

Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Schoolchild Handball Players in Qatar: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical fitness and academic performance in youth handball players of different BMI classifications. Thirty-three male handball players (age: 10.3 ± 0.61 years; body mass: 47.1 ± 12.1 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.09 m; BMI: 23.1 ± 4.37 kg/m2; body fat: 20.6 ± 6.27%) were recruited from the Qatar handball first league and were assigned to their BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., normal weight, overweight, and obese). Measurements included anthropometric data (height, mass, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), and physical performance tests: agility T-half test; squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 and 15 m sprint; medicine ball throw (MBT). Aerobic capacity was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Academic achievement was assessed through school records of grades point average (GPA) of Mathematics, Science and Arabic. None academic performance parameter and four physical performance parameters (agility T-half: p = 0.035; CMJ: p = 0.001; SJ: p = 0.007; sprint 10 m: p = 0.028) were different between BMI related groups. In 43% (3/7) of performance parameters and all academic parameters, the normal weight group showed the highest performance level, whereas the overweight group had the best performance in both sprint tests. The obese group was only superior in the medicine ball throw, but not at the p < 0.05 level. A relevant relationship (r > 0.5) between academic and physical performance parameters was only found between Yo-Yo IR 1 and science (r = 0.548). A relevant correlation were found between CMJ and BMI (r = −0.569). The agility T-half test was correlated with CMJ (r = −0.614) and 10 m sprint (r = 0.523). These findings suggest being overweight or obese are related to science academic performance among schoolchildren athletes in Qatar. Possibly, a normal BMI could positively influence academic performance. Physical education teachers, staff, and administrators should be cognizant that health promotion interventions improving composition may have the additional potential to improve dimensions of academic performance.

Effects of self-paced high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on the physical performance and psychophysiological responses in recreationally active young adults.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week self-paced high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. self-paced moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the physical performance and psychophysiological responses of young adults. Twenty-eight recreationally active young adults (age: 21.1 ± 1.6 years) were randomly assigned to either the self-paced HIIT (n = 14) or the MICT (n = 14) group training protocol. The HIIT consisted of two 12–24 x 30 seconds of high-intensity runs interspersed by 30 seconds of recovery. The MICT completed 24–48 minutes of continuous running. Before and after the 8-week interventions the following tests were completed: maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) estimated from the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIRTL-1), repeated sprint ability (RSA), 10–30-m sprint test, change of direction test (T-drill), countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ), and triple hop distance test (THD). Training rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed during the training programme. The HIIT resulted in greater improvement in YYIRTL-1, V̇O2max, RSA and T-drill performances compared to the MICT. Furthermore, RPE and PACES values were higher in the HIIT than the MICT. This study suggested that self-paced HIIT may be a more effective training regime to improve aerobic fitness with greater physical enjoyment in recreationally active young adults.

The effect of isolated or combined small-sided games and speed endurance training on physical performance parameters in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of six weeks of small-sided games (SSG), speed endurance (SER) and combined SSG and SER (CT) training programs on sprint, repeated sprint, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) performance in young soccer players. Forty-one elite young soccer players (body height: 174.0 ± 7.5 cm, body weight: 59.7 ± 9.5 kg, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, training age: 7.4 ± 0.6 years) underwent anthropometric measurements before performing 10m and 30m sprint tests, repeated sprint tests, and Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2. The players were then divided into four groups: the SSG group (SSG; n=11), the SER group (SER; n=10), the CT group (CT; n=11), and the control group (CG; n=9). All groups performed training for six weeks on two days out of the five training days the participants were undertaking. There was a statistically significant increase in the Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2 test performances of players in SSG, SER and CT groups (p&amp;lt;.05). In addition, players in these groups showed significantly higher percentage increases in Yo-Yo IR2 test performance compared to the CG. The CT group also had a statistically significant increase in Yo-Yo IR1 test performance compared to the CG (p&amp;lt;.05). In conclusion, while this study shows that SSG and SER training can be used for physical performance development in isolation or in combination, coaches and sports scientists are advised to choose combined training to use training time more efficiently.

The effect of self-selected music on endurance running capacity and performance in a mentally fatigued state

We investigated the effects of listening to self-selected music on intermittent running capacity (study 1) and 5 km time-trial (TT) performance (study 2) in a mentally fatigued state. In study 1, nine physically active males performed a 30-minute incongruent Stroop test (IST) followed by the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT1) with (MF+MUSIC) and without (MFONLY) music. They also completed a baseline trial (BL). Study 2 repeated these trials with nine recreational runners. Mental fatigue (MF) showed large increases following IST in both studies ( d unb = 1.44 – 2.0). Intermittent running capacity was moderately greater in MF+MUSIC (564 ± 127 m; d unb = 0.52) and BL (551 ± 106 m; d unb = 0.51) vs. MFONLY (496 ± 112 m). Time-trial performance showed small improvements in MF+MUSIC (23.1 ± 2.4 min; d unb = 0.28) and BL (23.4 ± 3.5 min; d unb = 0.20) vs. MFONLY (24.1 ± 3.2 min). Differences in ratings of perceived exertion between trials were trivial to small in both studies ( d unb = 0-0.47). Listening to self-selected music in a mentally fatigued state negates the negative impact of MF on endurance running capacity and performance, potentially due to altered perception of effort when listening to music.

Short-term effects of on-field combined core strength and small-sided games training on physical performance in young soccer players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 6-weeks combined core strength and small-sided games training (SSGcore) vs. small-sided games (SSG) training on the physical performance of young soccer players. Thirty-eight amateur soccer players (age: 16.50 ± 0.51 years) were randomly assigned to either a SSGcore (n = 20) or a SSG group (n = 18). The SSGcore group performed upper and lower body core strength exercises combined with SSG including 2-, 3- and 4-a-sided soccer games third a week. The SSG group performed only the SSG periodization. Baseline and after the 6-week training period the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIRTL-1), 5–20-m sprint test, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), triple-hop distance (THD), zigzag agility with ball (ZAWB) and without ball (ZAWOB), three corner run test (TCRT) and Y-balance test. The SSGcore group demonstrated meaningful improvements in 20 m sprint time (SSGcore: -9.1%, d = 1.42; SSG: -4.4%, d = 0.76), CMJ (SSGcore: 11.4%, d = 2.67; SSG: -7.7%, d = 1.43), SJ (SSGcore: 12.0%, d = 2.14; SSG: 5.7%, d = 1.28), THD (SSGcore: 5.0%, d = 1.39; SSG: 2.7%, d = 0.52) and TCRT (SSGcore: -3.7%, d = 0.69; SSG: -1.9%, d = 0.38). Furthermore, the SSGcore group demonstrated meaningfully higher improvement responses in both leg balance score (d = ranging from 2.11 to 2.75) compared with SSG group. These results suggest that the inclusion of core strength training to a SSG periodization is greatly effective to improve speed and strength-based conditioning in young soccer players.

Assessment of Biomechanical Response to Fatigue through Wearable Sensors in Semi-Professional Football Referees.

Quantifying muscle fatigue is a key aspect of everyday sport practice. A reliable and objective solution that can fulfil this task would be deeply important for two main reasons: (i) it would grant an objective indicator to adjust the daily training load for each player and (ii) it would provide an innovative tool to reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries. Available solutions for objectively quantifying the fatigue level of fatigue can be invasive for the athlete; they could alter the performance or they are not compatible with daily practice on the playground. Building on previous findings that identified fatigue-related parameters in the kinematic of the counter-movement jump (CMJ), this study evaluates the physical response to a fatigue protocol (i.e., Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) in 16 football referees, by monitoring CMJ performance with wearable magneto-inertial measurement units (MIMU). Nineteen kinematic parameters were selected as suitable indicators for fatigue detection. The analysis of their variations allowed us to distinguish two opposites but coherent responses to the fatigue protocol. Indeed, eight out of sixteen athletes showed reduced performance (e.g., an effective fatigue condition), while the other eight athletes experienced an improvement of the execution likely due to the so-called Post-Activation Potentiation. In both cases, the above parameters were significantly influenced by the fatigue protocol (p < 0.05), confirming their validity for fatigue monitoring. Interesting correlations between several kinematic parameters and muscular mass were highlighted in the fatigued group. Finally, a “fatigue approximation index” was proposed and validated as fatigue quantifier.

Differences in Body Fat, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance of Specific Field Tests in 10-to-12-Year-Old School-Aged Team Handball Players

This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 12), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 11), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 12). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Measurements included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ, respectively)), and sprint tests (10 and 15 m). The power of the upper extremity was measured by a 2-kg overhead medicine ball throw for distance. Except for %BF (p = 0.387) and BMI (p = 0.070), all anthropometric and demographic parameters were different between age groups. The largest differences were found for body mass (p = 0.007) and body height (p = 0.008). Regarding fitness parameters, only the medicine ball throw (p = 0.022) was different between age groups (U10 vs. U12: p = 0.009; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.048). There was no difference between groups for jumping (CMJ: p = 0.586; SJ: p = 0.377), sprinting (10 m: p = 0.211; 15 m: p = 0.194) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.228). Body fat was the anthropometric parameter with the strongest relationship with physical performance in that lower body fat was related to superior jumping performance and sprint performance. In conclusion, except for %BF and BMI, all anthropometric parameters were different between U10, U11, and U12 handball players. For physical parameters, jumping, sprinting, and endurance performance were not different between age groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their school-aged handball players, as well as for establishing performance goals.

Urinary N-Terminal Fragment of Titin Reflects Muscle Damage After a Soccer Match in Male Collegiate Soccer Players.

Tanabe, Y, Shimizu, K, Kondo, E, Yasumatsu, M, Nakamura, D, Sagayama, H, and Takahashi, H. Urinary N-terminal fragment of titin reflects muscle damage after a soccer match in male collegiate soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 360-365, 2021-Previous studies have demonstrated that noninvasive urinary N-terminal fragment of titin (U-titin) concentration highly correlates with serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, a classic invasive muscle damage marker. This finding indicates that U-titin could be used to estimate muscle damage. However, these results were achieved using a laboratory-based eccentric exercise model. Therefore, it remains unclear whether U-titin is useful for evaluating muscle damage occurring in field sports events. As a result, we evaluated whether U-titin concentration closely relates to serum CK activity after a soccer match. Seventeen collegiate soccer players (age: 20 ± 1 year; height: 172 ± 6 cm; body mass: 65 ± 5 kg; Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2, 1,135 ± 196 m) completed a test match (2 halves of 45 minutes separated by 15 minutes of normal half-time). U-titin concentration, serum CK activity, countermovement jump performance, and muscle soreness were assessed 2 hours before the match and 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the match. U-titin concentrations and CK activity similarly increased at 24 hours and returned to the baseline value at 48 hours after the match. Moreover, the percentage of changes in U-titin concentration from baseline after the match significantly and positively correlated with serum CK activity (r = 0.82, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the noninvasive marker U-titin can be used to assess muscle damage conditions in field sports events, such as soccer matches.

Associations among Agility, Sprint, Aerobic, and Vertical Jump Performances of Young Badminton Players

The aim of this study was to examine the associations among agility, sprint, aerobic, and vertical jumps performances of young badminton players. Nine young, male, badminton players with 17.1 ± 4.3 years performed a battery of physical tests on three separate days. The following performance tests were: badminton specific agility test, 5m-Multiple Shuttle Test (5m-MST), the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level I (Yo-Yo test) and vertical jumps. It was found a significant and very large correlation (r=0.83) between the Yo-Yo test and 5m-MST distance. The agility test was significantly correlated with 5m-MST and Yo-Yo test with the values classified as large (r=-0.67 and -0.65, respectively). In addition, large to very large associations were reported between agility, sprint and aerobic performances with VJs tests (r=0.54 to 0.83). Therefore, we conclude that the agility, sprint, aerobic, and VJ performances are associated, with correlations classified as very large or large. The current results highlight the need for a comprehensive battery of field tests to evaluate the performance of young badminton players to provide a more effective field-based assessment.

Soccer-Specific Reactive Repeated-Sprint Ability in Elite Youth Soccer Players: Maturation Trends and Association With Various Physical Performance Tests.

Di Mascio, M, Ade, J, Musham, C, Girard, O, and Bradley, PS. Soccer-specific reactive repeated-sprint ability in elite youth soccer players: maturation trends and association with various physical performance tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3538-3545, 2020-Repeated-sprint ability is an important physical prerequisite for competitive soccer and deviates for players in various stages of growth and development. Thus, this study investigated reactive repeated-sprint ability in elite youth soccer players in relation to maturation (age at peak height velocity) and its association with performance of other physical tests. Elite male youth players from an English Premier League academy (U12, n = 8; U13, n = 11; U14, n = 15; U15, n = 6; U16, n = 10; and U18, n = 13) completed the reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST; 8 × 30-m sprints with 30-second active recovery), and other physical tests including the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2), arrowhead agility test, countermovement jump test with arms (CMJA), in addition to 10- and 20-m straight-line sprints. Reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST) performance (total time across 8 sprints) progressively improved from U12 to U16 (p < 0.01; effect size [ES]: 1.0-1.9), yet with no differences found between U16 and U18. No between-group differences in RRST performance were evident after accounting for age at peak height velocity (p > 0.05; ES: <0.3). Correlation magnitudes between performance on the RRST and other tests were trivial to moderate for the Yo-Yo IR2 (r = -0.15 to 0.42), moderate to very large for the arrowhead agility test (r = 0.48-0.90), moderate to large for CMJA (r = -0.43 to 0.66), and trivial to large for 10- and 20-m sprints (r = 0.05-0.61). The RRST was sensitive at tracking maturation trends in elite youth players, although performance improvements were not as marked from 15 to 16 years of age. RRST performance correlates with several physical qualities decisive for competitive soccer (agility, speed, power, and aerobic endurance).

INFLUENCE OF THE INSANITY WORKOUT ON THE EXERCISE CAPACITY OF MILITARY STUDENTS

The research purpose is to improve the exercise capacity of military students (VAM, VO2 max and average heart rate) by applying the Insanity Workout in the physical education lesson. The following scientific methods were used: documentation, observation, statistical processing and graphical representation of the results. Subject assessment was based on the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1), and Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor was used. The research included the following stages: stage 1 - conducting an initial assessment; stage 2 - applying the Insanity Workout; stage 3 - performing a final assessment of the studied subjects to assess their response (evolution/involution/stagnation); stage 4 - interpretation of results and conclusion. Based on the paired t-test, the following results are obtained: the increase of the average maximum aerobic speed achieved at the end of the training period is statistically significant, p = 0.005 &lt; 0.05 for t = 3.003 and df = 29. The effect size index indicates a medium-to-high difference between the two means; the increase of the average maximum aerobic capacity achieved at the end of the training period is statistically significant, p &lt; 0.001 &lt; 0.05 for t = 6.536 and df = 29. The effect size index indicates a significant difference between the two means; the decrease of the average heart rate at the end of the training period is statistically significant, p &lt; 0.001 &lt; 0.05 for t = 5.012 and df = 29. The effect size index indicates a high difference between the two means.

Does Oral Hygiene Influence Salivary pH, Lactate, and IL-1&amp;#946; of Basketball Players During Intense Exercise?

This study examined the salivary pH, salivary lactate, and salivary IL-1 β responses from a high-intensity intermittent running test, and the influence of hygiene oral status on these biomarkers in elite adolescent basketball players. Forty-six adolescent players participated. Saliva sampling was taken before and 3 min after a high-intensity exercise (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; Yo-Yo IR1). In order to quantify and classify the oral hygiene level, the athletes were submitted to a dental examination, and an adapted Simplified Oral Hygiene Index was applied. After the dental examination, the whole group was divided into good oral hygiene group (GHG) and poor oral hygiene group (PHG). The results of a two- way analysis of variance showed a significant interaction effect (P = 0.0003), group effect (P < 0.0001), and time effect (pre to post Yo-yo IR1; P < 0.0001) for salivary pH and for salivary lactate (interaction effect, P = 0.008; group effect, P < 0.000 1; time effect, P < 0.0001) with a lower salivary pH and a higher salivary lactate at pre and post-Yo-Yo IR1 for PHG, but no difference was observed for IL-1β. The data demonstrated that the high-intensity exercise led to a significant change in salivary pH and salivary lactate concentration of the basketball players, and that the oral hygiene status influenced these responses, with a greater change for those players showing a poor oral hygiene.

Anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of Tunisian female soccer players: Associations with field position

Background: There is a lack of descriptive data available regarding the characteristics of female soccer players from the African continent or the Arab world. Objective: This study investigated the anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of Tunisian female soccer players in relation to field position. Methods: In all, 75 Tunisian sub-elite female soccer players, with an average of 4.3 &#177; 1.6 years of playing experience, including goalkeepers (GK; n = 11), central defenders (CD; n = 13), external defenders (ED; n = 15), central midfielders (CM; n = 10), external midfielders (EM; n = 14), and attackers (AT; n = 12), underwent anthropometric evaluations (body height, body mass, and body fat percentage) and physical fitness tests (flexibility, countermovement jump [CMJ], 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YoYoIR1]). Results: GK had significantly higher body mass (67.3 &#177; 2.4 kg), body height (169.3 &#177; 1.7 m) and fat percentage (24 &#177; 2.6%) compared to all field positions. AT were significantly faster (3.64 &#177; 0.10 s) than GK (3.75 &#177; 0.09 s) in the 20-m sprint (p &lt; .01), but there were no significant differences among the other field positions. GK had a significantly lower Yo-YoIR1 performance (625 &#177; 84 m) than other field position players (p &lt; .001), but no significant difference was found among other field positions. GK and AT showed significantly better CMJ performance (GK: 31.3 &#177; 2.6 cm, AT: 30.4 &#177; 2.4 cm) compared to other groups. GK had higher flexibility (21.6 &#177; 2.7 cm in the the sit-and-reach test) than all other positions (p &lt; .05), but no significant difference was observed among players in the field. Conclusions: Overall, we can conclude that, in a north African sample of female soccer players, anthropometric profiles vary by playing position. As well, positional differences can be found when testing physical fitness components. This information could help coaches design more effective training programs to achieve success in modern soccer.

Differences in physical fitness after an 8-week preseason training among elite football players aged 17-19 years.

There may be an optimal period of time to maximize the improvement of physical fitness during adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude of changes in physical fitness after 8 weeks of preseason training according to chronological ages after the age at peak high velocity. Thirty male young football players from an elite football team (U-16, n=10; U-17, n=10; U-18, n=10) participated in the study. The players completed an 8-week general preseason football training and participated in the pre- and posttests to measure physical fitness. The 8-week preseason training improved the power of all young players (P<0.05). The 20-m sprint performance was improved by training in U-16 and U-18 (P<0.05), but no changes were found in the U-17 group (P>0.05). Significant differences were found in the arrowhead left in U-16 and U-18 (P<0.05) after training; however, no difference was observed in U-17 (P>0.05). Coordination was enhanced further in U-16 and U-17 (P<0.05) compared with that in U-18 (P>0.05). The performance of repeated sprints and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) were similar between pre- and posttraining in all age groups (P>0.05). Collectively, the results emphasized the importance of systematic and scientific training methods to improve the fitness levels of young football players in the preseason training period. Moreover, training to improve coordination in young football players is effective at younger ages.

Differences in anthropometric and physical performance characteristics between U17, U19, and Senior Irish female international football players

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric physical performance characteristics of Irish female international footballers at U17, U19, and Senior age groups. Fifty-five (U17, n =24, U19, n =21, Senior, n = 10) female international football players participated in this study. The subjects underwent anthropometric measurements (height and body mass) and physical performance tests countermovement jump (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), 10-m, 20-m, 30-m linear sprint, and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1). No significant differences were identified between any age groups for the anthropometric measures of height and body mass. Concerning the physical tests, senior players displayed greater CMJ scores in comparison with the U17 (P = 0.040). Senior players also possessed higher levels of reactive strength with large effect sizes present (ES = 0.83 - 0.92) in comparison to all age groups. No significant differences were identified between any of the age groups across the 10-m, 20-m, 30-m, and rolling 20-m linear speed assessments. Senior players covered the greatest distance in the YYIR1 (P = 0.0001) versus the U19 and U17. These results indicate there was no difference in the anthropometric profile of the age groups assessed. However, differences in physical performance characteristics were present between age groups, thus suggesting improvements in lower limb power and aerobic endurance are achievable in adulthood as players physically mature.

Acute Photobiomodulation Does Not Influence Specific High-Intensity and Intermittent Performance in Female Futsal Players.

The acute improvement of performance after photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been reported in different types of exercise. However, the effect on high-intensity and intermittent exercises that are relevant for team sports is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the effect of prior acute application of PBMT on high-intensity and intermittent exercise performance, muscle oxygenation, and physiological/perceptual indicators in amateur female futsal players. Thirteen players (24.1 ± 3.7 years) performed a testing battery (countermovement jump (CMJ), Illinois agility and YoYo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1)) preceded by 15 min of PBMT (1 min 30 s each muscular point; five muscular points in each lower limbs) or 15 min of placebo (SHAM), in a counterbalanced randomized cross-over design (one-week in-between PBMT/SHAM). All test performance did not differ (p > 0.05) between PBMT and SHAM, as well as blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and muscle oxygenation (via near infrared spectroscopy) responses. The acute application of PBMT prior to a physical testing battery does not influence high-intensity and intermittent exercises performance, neither physiological nor perceptual responses in amateur female futsal players.

Performance Improvement in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 and During Official Matches: The Role of Speed Endurance Training Production in Élite Football Players

Performance Improvement in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 and During Official Matches: The Role of Speed Endurance Training Production in Élite Football Players

Use of Numerically Blinded Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Soccer: Assessing Concurrent and Construct Validity.

To examine the concurrent and construct validity of numerically blinded ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs). A total of 30 elite male youth soccer players (age 16.7 [0.5]y) were monitored during training and matches over a 17-wk in-season period. The players' external loads were determined via raw 10-Hz global positioning system. Heart rate (HR) was collected continuously and expressed as Bannister and Edwards training impulses, and minutes >80% of the players predetermined the maximum HR by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. RPE was collected confidentially 10 to 15min after training/matches using 2 methods: (1)a traditional verbal response to the 0 to 100 category-ratio "centiMax" scale (RPE) and (2)numerically blinded RPE centiMax scale (RPEblind) with the response selected manually via a 5 × 7-in tablet "slider." The RPE and RPEblind were divided by 10 and multiplied by the duration to derive the sessional RPE. Linear mixed models compared ratings, and within-subject repeated-measures correlations assessed the sessional RPE versus HR and external load associations. There were no differences between the RPE and RPEblind (0.19; 95% confidence intervals, -0.59 to 0.20 au, P = .326) or their session values (13.5; 95% confidence intervals, -17.0 to 44.0 au, P = .386), and the ratings were nearly perfectly correlated (r = .96). The associations between the sessional RPE versus HR and external load metrics were large to very large (r = .65-.81), with no differences between the RPE methods (P ≥ .50). The RPEblind also reduced verbal anchor clustering and integer bias by 11% and 50%, respectively. RPEblind demonstrated concurrent and construct validity versus the traditional method, and may be used in situations where practitioners have concerns regarding the authenticity of athlete ratings.

A three-sample study of perfectionism and field test performance in athletes

Field tests are commonly used by sport scientists for performance monitoring and evaluation. While perfectionism predicts performance in a range of contexts, it is currently unclear whether perfectionism predicts performance in such tests. To address this lack of understanding, the present study examined the relationships between perfectionism and fitness-based field test performance across three athlete samples. After completing a measure of perfectionism (striving for perfection and negative reactions to imperfection), sample one (n = 129 student athletes) participated in a series of countermovement jumps and 20-metre sprint trials, sample two (n = 136 student athletes) participated in an agility task, and sample three (n = 116 junior athletes) participated in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level one). Striving for perfection predicted better sprint and Yo-Yo test performance. Negative reactions to imperfection predicted worse sprint performance. Mini meta-analyses of the combined data (N = 381) showed that striving for perfection was positively related to performance (r+ = .24), but negative reactions to imperfection was unrelated to performance (r+ = –.05). The present findings indicate that striving for perfection may predict better fitness-based field test performance, while negative reactions to imperfection appears to be ambiguous.

Comparison of Physical Profiles of State-Level Netball Players by Position.

Graham, S, Duthie, G, Aughey, R, and Zois, J. Comparison of physical profiles of state-level netball players by position. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2654-2662, 2020-Understanding the physical profiles of state-level netball athletes provides conditioning professionals with testing norms and an understanding of important capacities within particular positions. The purpose was to examine positional differences in physical capacities of state-level netball athletes. Forty-six state-level netball athletes completed physical capacity assessments in the second week of their preseason, over 2 seasons. Tests included stature, 20-m sprint (with 5 and 10 m splits), 505 change-of-direction, countermovement jump, single-leg bounding, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level one. A linear mixed-model with fixed and random effects was used in conjunction with magnitude-based inferences to determine meaningful differences with 90% confidence limits (CLs). Midcourt athletes were shorter in stature than shooters (effect size [ES]: 1.26, CL 0.88-1.63) and defenders (-2.58, -3.35 to -1.80). Midcourt athletes were faster than shooters and defenders in linear acceleration over 5 and 10 m distances and 505 change-of-direction (ES range: -0.34 to -0.59). Shooters presented poorer intermittent endurance than midcourt (-0.82, -1.34 to -0.31) and defenders (-0.56, -1.19 to 0.07). Defenders jumped higher than midcourt athletes (-0.56, -1.30 to 0.19) and shooters (-0.61, -1.18 to -0.04), and possessed greater bounding ability compared with shooters (ES range: -0.23 to -0.57). Midcourt athletes require a more holistic set of physical capacities including acceleration, change-of-direction, jumping, and intermittent endurance. For defender and shooter positions, results indicate physical requirements that may be more specific to their positions. Conditioning professionals can use these findings to target specific physical qualities to maximize position-specific performance.