Title:
|
The development, validation and evaluation of a reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST)
|
Soccer has been categorised as an intermittent sport, where periods of intense
exercise are interspersed with periods of active and passive recovery. Performance
relies on several factors including the ability to sprint repeatedly, termed as repeated-sprint ability. It is imperative that a scheduled fitness testing programme includes an assessment of this component to ensure maximal performance during match-play.
Although there is a plethora of tests available, the aim of this thesis was to develop,
validate and evaluate a reactive repeated-sprint test (RRST), and to investigate its
use with a variety of age groups and different performance levels. Data was collected
during elite soccer matches and high-intensity running distance in the most intense 5-
min period was quantified during match-play. The findings led to the development of
a soccer-specific RRST, whereby a detailed evaluation was carried out; the
validation, reliability and sensitivity was investigated, as well as utilising the RRST
to examine maturation trends and correlates with other physical performance tests.
The data demonstrate that the RRST is a reliable and valid test that distinguishes
between performance across standard, position and seasonal period. It is also
suggested that it is sensitive to monitor maturation trends as well as a large
correlation with agility. In summary, the present thesis provides new insight into the
most intense period and how players can be monitored throughout a season and at
different phases of development. It proposes a new fitness test of best practice for
soccer clubs; one that can be used as a multi-tool to assess more than one component
of fitness (a practical asset due to the busy day-to-day training week of soccer clubs).
|